England were far from fluent as they were put under extreme pressure by Scotland, but a resilient defensive effort saw the visitors emerge with a 6-13 win, the first time they have emerged victorious at Murrayfield since 2004.

Interim head coach Stuart Lancaster described the game which saw no less than eight England players win their first cap as the perfect demonstration as to why he should get the job full time, but he will certainly be looking to put some flesh on the bones of his job application with some more forward thinking rugby against a limited Italy side.

Another man seemingly on trial during the Scotland game was new captain Chris Robshaw, whose monumental defensive shift was at the heart of England’s constant repelling of Scottish waves of attack, but whether he retains the armband in the long term remains to be seen.

He’ll certainly pick up where he left off in Rome where an Italy side who demonstrated little of the progress they showed in last year’s 6 Nations in their opening game against France last weekend.

Last time round Italy picked up a historic win against France, who would go on to feature in the World Cup final later that year and would have claimed another memorable win over were it not for a last gasp Ronan O’Gara drop goal that snatched a win for a fortunate Irish side.

France were able to nullify the threat of the Azzurri and claim a fairly straight-forward 3-12 win over Italy in Paris last weekend, and England will be looking to do very much the same when they meet on Saturday.

Last time round England run riot against Italy as they looked to be building some serious momentum at the start of a World Cup year, with Chris Ashton claiming a four tries as he broke the 6 Nations scoring record inside the second game of the tournament as England cantered to a 53-13 win at Twickenham.

Few expect a similar result this time round with so many new faces, but one man who played in that game could be ready to make his return after shaking off an injury. Toby Flood couldn’t quite make the number 10 jersey his own at the World Cup thanks to the presence of a certain Jonny Wilkinson, but he returns to the England squad for the game against Italy hopeful of dislodging Charlie Hodgson at fly-half.

Match Winner

England have won all 16 of their games against Italy and have scored on average more than five tries per game, meaning it comes as no surprise that it is the away side that are the favourites to win.

England are 1.29 (2/7) with BlueSQ to continue their progress under Stuart Lancaster, while Italy are 4.50 (7/2) with Bet365 to spring a surprise. The draw is 29.00 (28/1) with BWIN.

Winning margin

While there is little suggestion England will canter to victory this time round, most observers are expecting an easy win for the visitors.

England are favourites to win the game by more than 13 points, with Paddy Power pricing the bet at 2.40 (7/5).

46 points was the margin between the two sides last time round and England are 251.00 (250/1) with Ladbrokes to end up between 46 and 50 points ahead this time, while a narrow Italy win of between 1 and 12 points is priced at 5.00 (4/1) with Bet365.

Recommended Bets

Half-time/Full-time: England/England, 1.57 (4/7) SkyBet

Winning Margin: England 1-13 points, 2.40 (7/5) Paddy Power

Despite going into the test series as the number one ranked team in test cricket England demonstrated none of the ability that took them to series wins over Australia, Sri Lanka and India in 2011 as they succumbed to the slow turn of the sub-continent once more.

Now they’ll look to salvage some pride by showing a resurgent Pakistan side what they can do in the shorter form of the game, although they will face a tough task following a successful 2011 in the 50-over format for the home side.

England look set to try out a different approach for the four game ODI series, with Ian Bell dropping out of the squad altogether despite the Warwickshire batsman featuring in the unsuccessful ODI tour of India late last year.

It is perhaps fitting punishment for Bell, who hasn’t passed 50 in his last 14 one-day innings and looked decidedly uncomfortable during the test series while facing the unorthodox spin of Saeed Ajmal.

Into the squad come Jos Buttler and Danny Briggs, both of whom are uncapped for England in one day cricket and could feature in the first ODI next Monday in Abu Dhabi.

Buttler has made quite a name for himself for the England Lions and in England’s t20 side, and has been pushing for a call up for some time but has only now had his perseverance rewarded.

Briggs is the more interesting proposition in as much as he is a relatively unknown quantity, and if there is any place for his left-arm spin to shine England will be hoping it is on the dry tracks of the United Arab Emirates.

Time Bresnan, who was forced to sit out the test series with an elbow injury, will return to add his own brand of big hitting and accurate bowling to England’s armoury, while Jade Dernbach, Craig Kieswetter and  Samit Patel all join up with the squad.

While England seemingly stuggle on the sub-continent no matter what – Since December 2005, they have won just 12 of 38 ODIs in Asia and four of those victories came against Bangladesh and the Netherlands – Pakistan have excelled in the shorter form of the game, picking up 12 wins in their last 13 outings.

Series winner

Pakistan’s ‘home’ advantage and their superior form over the last 12 months mean they are heavy favourites to pick up a series win, with BoyleSports placing them at 2.38 (11/8) to emerge victorious.

England are placed at 3.80 (14/5) with SportingBet while a series draw is 2.88 (15/8) with Bet365.

Top England Batsman

With England’s test batsmen all over the place in terms of form, it will be interesting to see which if any can pull it together and claim the leading run scorer prize.

Kevin Pietersen has had a woeful time of it lately but made his name in ODI cricket and is 4.50 (7/2) with VC Bet to end the series his side’s top scorer, while captain Alastair Cook is the same price with the same bookmaker.

Of the new boys joining up with the England squad, Jos Buttler is certainly an exciting prospect and can be backed at 9.50 (17/2) with Bet365 to lead the way, while Ravi Bopara has had to bide his time for a shot, and is the same price with the same bookie to take it in emphatic fashion.

Recommended Bets

Series winner: Pakistan, 2.38 (11/8) BoyleSports

Series correct score: Pakistan 3-1, 3.25 (9/4) VC Bet

Middlesbrough and Sunderland go head to head on Wednesday in their fourth round FA Cup replay.

The North-east rivals played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg and with the winners set to face a home game with Arsenal, there is plenty of motivation to get through.

Middlesbrough were leading in the first game through Barry Robson, so they will be concerned that their best chance of progressing has gone.

Tony Mowbray’s men were excellent at times during the draw at the Stadium of Light and they were frustrated when Frazier Campbell equalised to force a replay.

Since this game a couple of weeks ago, Middlesbrough’s league form has been solid without being spectacular.

They have drawn their last two league games – most recently at home to Crystal Palace – and this has left them 6th in the Championship.

Therefore, they are in danger of their promotion hopes slipping away if they don’t improve their form.

Perhaps a cup win at home to Sunderland is the boost they need. They certainly need something to reignite their form as they haven’t won in the league since Boxing Day.

As for Sunderland, well they have been in tremendous form. The turnaround under Martin O’Neill has been nothing short of spectacular.

They have won seven of their 10 games under the former Leicester manager and are up to 8th in the Premier League.

Therefore, they would love the good form to continue by booking a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Match odds

Because of this excellent form, Sunderland are the 2.10 (11/10) favourites to win with SkyBet.

Middlesbrough are then 3.50 (5/2) with Paddy Power to shock their visitors and book a date with Arsenal in the fifth round.

For the game to be level after 90 minutes, you can get odds of 3.25 (9/4) with BoyleSports.

First goalscorer

In what looks set to be a tight match, the first goal could be crucial. Therefore, the first goalscorer market is one to look in to.

In-form Black Cats boss Stephane Sessegnon is the favourite to get he game’s opening goal at 6.00 (5/1) with StanJames.

For Middlesbrough, the best chance to score first is Marvin Emnes at 8.00 (7/1) with VC Bet.

A good outside bet could be Kieran Richardson. He is often bursting forward for Sunderland and can be backed at 17.00 (16/1) with BoyleSports to score first.

Recommended bets

Sunderland to win 3-2 @ 34.00 (33/1) with Bet365.

Kieran Richardson to score first @ 17.00 (16/1) with Boylesports.

This weekend’s Super Sunday fixture is a fantastic prospect as Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Whenever these two meet it is a competitive contest and this weekend’s clash will be no different.

Both teams need the win too. Chelsea are fighting it out for a Champions League place, while United are locked in a title race with rivals Manchester City.

Looking at Chelsea to begin with, it is fair to say that they haven’t been at their best this season. Andre Villas-Boas’ men have been particularly flat in recent weeks.

The results have been far from disastrous – they didn’t lose once in January – but goals have been hard to come by with only four in their last four games.

There have also been dropped points at Norwich City and most recently at Swansea City.

This means that a title challenge is a long way off and a tight battle for 4th place with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle is on the cards.

As for United, well they have been efficient in their last two matches, securing valuable victories over Arsenal and Stoke.

They were also given a boost when Manchester City lost to Everton during the week, meaning that the top two are level on points going into this weekend.

The trip to Stamford Bridge is a tough test though and they would love to come through with three points.

Looking at the team news for Sunday afternoon’s match, Chelsea are set to be without John Terry who is suffering with a knee injury.

They are also without the suspended Ashley Cole, while Gary Cahill – a January signing from Bolton – could make his debut. Frank Lampard could also return.

For United, Wayne Rooney is back in contention after missing two games, although Anders Lindegaard is out for six weeks and will be replaced in goal by David de Gea.

Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley – who have both had their injury problems of late – could also return to the squad as Chelsea and Manchester United get ready to go head to head.

Match odds

Looking at the betting odds for his game, Chelsea are the slight favourites at 2.63 (13/8) with Bet365. This is perhaps down to home advantage.

Manchester United are not far behind though and you can back them to pick up their third Premier League win in succession at 2.75 (7/4) with BetFred.

The draw – which many will see as a good option – is then available at 3.10 (21/10) with Ladbrokes.

First goalscorer

In what is expected to be a tight match, the first goal could be crucial. The first goalscorer betting market is therefore worth a look.

Favourite to score first is Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney at 7.00 (6/1) with BoyleSports. Daniel Sturridge is Chelsea’s then Chelsea’s best bet at 8.00 (7/1).

You can then get odds of 8.00 (7/1) with Coral for Fernando Torres to end his goal drought.

It is always good to look at an outside bet in this market though with Juan Mata at 12.00 (11/1) and Ryan Giggs 19.00 (18/1) good selections. The latter’s odds are with BlueSQ.

Recommended bets

Chelsea to win 2-1 @ 10.00 (9/1) with Ladbrokes.

Juan Mata to score first @ 12.00 (11/1) with Paddy Power.

Much has changed for England since their disastrous World Cup campaign which ended early thanks to defeat against France in the quarter-finals, not least at the top where head coach Martin Johnson has vacated his post along with attack coach Brian Smith and forwards coach John Wells – and the theme continues throughout the squad for the 6 Nations.

Interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has opted to herald in the future and hand three players their test debut’s for the game against Scotland – Owen Farrell, Phil Dowson and Brad Barritt – while Chris Robshaw is handed the captaincy armband in his second game for England following Lewis Moody’s decision to retire after England’s farcical World Cup campaign.

Plenty of old faces where given the elbow after off-field antics and insipid performances on the pitch combined to make England’s trip to New Zealand one of the most disastrous in living memory.

In fact, only six players who started the quarter final defeat against France will start against Scotland, while on the bench there are a further five rookies with only Matt Stevens offering any sort of big game experience.

Scotland, who are undefeated against England at Murrayfield since 2004, meanwhile have undergone less significant changes with head coach Andy Robinson opting to hand out one new cap with two players making their first starts for the game against England.

Edinburgh wing Lee Jones will make his debut while club colleagues David Denton and Ross Rennie start for their country for the first time.

The two teams last met back in October at the World Cup where England edged the game 16-12 thanks to a last-gasp Chris Ashton try, while it was the English who emerged victorious earlier in the year as they beat Scotland on their way to claiming their first 6 Nations crown since 2003.

While Ireland denied them the chance of a memorable Grand Slam the tournament was seen as a positive indication of their bright future at the upcoming World Cup, and while that patently failed to materialise, England will be hoping that with plenty of raw talent on display they can look to start building against once more.

While England are hoping to wipe the slate clean, remnants of their past caught up with them as Delon Armitage was arrested following a fracas in a nightclub, only days after the London Irish full back took exception to comments from Andy Robinson.

Having dropped down into the England Saxon’s set up, Armitage admitted he was angry after Robinson revealed he thought England were ‘arrogant’ during the World Cup, and that he had chosen to cite Armitage for a bad tackle after their encounter in October because ‘he was a little arrogant toward our team.’

Match winner

Despite England picking up two wins against Scotland in 2011 the fact that it is almost a completely different – and inexperienced – squad means betting is closer than it has been for some time.

The Red Rose remain slight favourites for the game, and are placed at 1.73 (8/11) with StanJames, while Scotland are best placed with BlueSQ at 2.50 (6/4) to claim a home win and get their 6 Nations campaign up and running straight away.

The draw is 21.00 (20/1) with BetFred.

First Tryscorer

Chris Ashton established himself as one of England’s leading lights after breaking the 6 Nations scoring record, and the Northampton wing is favourite to score the first try against Scotland at 11.00 (10/1) with SportingBet.

Ben Foden is 15.00 (14/1) with the same bookmaker while David Strettle, who has been given the nod on the wing, is also 11.00 (10/1) with SportingBet.

For Scotland Max Evans represents their best chance of touching down first, and is placed 15.00 (14/1) with StanJames.

Recommended Bets

First tryscorer:  Chris Ashton, 11.00 (10/1) SportingBet

Half-time/Full-time: Draw/England, 21.00 (20/1)SkyBet

Spurs missed out on the chance to put themselves right in the hunt for the league title last month after a late Mario Balotelli penalty handed league leaders Manchester City all three points when the teams met at the Etihad Stadium.

That left Harry Redknapp’s side eight points off the pace of their rivals and all but ruled them out of the title race, but now they have a sniff of the top once more after a routine win against Wigan on Tuesday was helped by City’s shock 1-0 defeat against Everton on the same day.

Now they sit five points off both City and Manchester United, and with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side facing a tough tie against 5^th placed Chelsea this weekend, another window of opportunity will open up for the north London outfit – but only if they can beat a resurgent Liverpool.

The Reds looked to be grinding to a halt in their challenge for a top four spot thanks to an insipid defeat against Bolton that followed swiftly after a disappointing draw against lowly Bolton in the league last month.

Liverpool’s season looked to be slowly falling apart as a minority of fans began to question manager Kenny Dalglish, but much needed wins over City and United in cup competitions, a comfortable win over Wolves on Tuesday and the indifferent form of teams around them mean they are still in with a shot of ending the season on a real high.

Arsenal are winless in four games in the league – a run that has allowed Liverpool and Newcastle to move above them  -  and Chelsea have picked up only four wins in their last ten games, meaning Dalglish’s men are right in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

Spurs put in perhaps their best performance of the season as they steamrolled Liverpool 4-0 at White Hart Lane earlier this season, with both Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel seeing red.

Crucially for Liverpool as they look to avoid a similar fate, they will have Luis Suarez back after the Uruguayan completed his eight game ban for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.

The timing of Suarez’s return couldn’t be worse after Andy Carroll, who finally found the back of the net to end his dry spell in front of goal in the league, which extended back to October, although therei s no guarantee the former Ajax striker will step straight into his place in the team.

Tottenham could be without Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe for the game, with both rated as ‘highly doubtful’, meaning Niko Kranjcar should start on the right of midfield following Steven Pienaar’s loan switch back on Everton on Tuesday.

New signing Louis Saha could be on the bench because of Defoe’s absence, while Rafael Van Der Vaart and Kyle Walker should be fit having picked up knocks against Wigan.

Match Winner

Tottenham’s consistency both home and away this season has meant they’ve kept themselves clear of the scrap for the fourth and final Champions League spot available via the league, while it is largely Liverpool’s indifferent home form that means they are not higher up the league than their current 5^th position.

Although they are unbeaten at Anfield they have drawn seven of their eleven games in front of their own fans, but despite this it is the home side that are the favourites, with Paddy Power placing Liverpool at 2.20 (6/5).

Spurs are certainly worth a look at 3.75 (11/4) with BetVictor for the win while the draw is 3.40 (12/5) with the same bookmaker.

First Goalscorer

Emmanuel Adebayor was Liverpool’s tormentor in chief last time the two sides met, and the Spurs man is 9.00 (8/1) with BetVictor to score first this time round.

Luis Suarez is 7.00 (6/1) with Coral to mark his comeback by scoring first, while his in-form team mate Craig Bellamy is 8.00 (7/1) with William Hill.

Rafael Van Der Vaart will hope to rediscover his scoring touch in the league sooner rather than later, and the Dutchman is 9.00 (8/1) with SkyBet to do just that against Liverpool. Gareth Bale, who has three goals in his last two league appearances, is 11.00 (10/1) with William Hill to score first.

Recommended bets

Outright winner: Tottenham, 3.75 (11/4) BetVictor

First Goalscorer: Gareth Bale, 11.00 (10.00) William Hill

After being torn apart in the first test, and collapsing humiliatingly in the second, the third test between Pakistan and England presents the latter with a small chance just to restore a bit of pride once more, writes William Taylor.

The three match series is, of course, beyond them now, but to lose it 2-1 will be far less embarrassing than being on the end of the dreaded white-wash.

That was what England did to India last summer, and it resulted in months of smugness and gloating, only to lead to the point the team find themselves in now. Unprepared, confused and battered.

It is quite apparent that Andy Flower’s men need to find a solution to their subcontinental woes, or otherwise they cannot count on their number one ranking for much longer.

Pakistan was meant to be an eminently winnable series, with the hosts having to play outside of their own country for security reasons. Not so long before, in fact, had England successfully beaten that very team in a home series.

But such is the fluctuating form of England, from playing on their own fresh green pastures to the barren, tricky terrains of the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka, that no one should ever have considered this a foregone conclusion.

If England can avoid another tragic batting collapse like the one that saw them bowled out for a paltry 72 the very last time they went out to bat, then perhaps they will have a chance here. If not, it could be more heartache for the long-suffering Barmy Army.

Match Odds

It is hard to imagine England will now have it in them to pick themselves up and claw just one victory out of this highly forgettable series. Thanks to their own performances, it is not surprise that their hosts, Pakistan are the Totesport 2.75 (7/4) favourites going into this one.

Meanwhile, England find themselves going into the game as outsiders, with odds of 3.00 (2/1) available with SkyBet for them to finish the series at 2-1.

In conditions that could be said to favour the bowlers, a draw seems a difficult prospect to comprehend. However, Paddy Power have made that available at 3.00 (2/1) also.

Top Batsman

Alastair Cook is the 5.00 (4/1) favourite to be England’s top batsman in this test, while his opening partner Andrew Strauss is 4.50 (7/2) alongside Jonathan Trott.

Kevin Pietersen is 6.00 (5/1), while Ian Bell is priced at 7.00 (6/1). Ravi Bopara is available at 9.00 (8/1) alongside Eoin Morgan, with Matt Prior priced at 11.00 (10/1).

Mohammed Hafeez is the favourite to be Pakistan’s top scorer and is priced at 5.00 (4/1) alongside Younis Khan.

Taufeeq Umar is available at 5.50 (9/2), while Azhar Ali and Misbah-Ul-Haq are both priced at 6.00 (5/1). Imran Farhat is priced at 6.50 (11/2), while Asad Shafiq is 9.00 (8/1).

Recommended Bet

He has not achieved it yet, despite coming close in the first innings of the second test, but what are the chances of Alastair Cook notching a century?

Ladbrokes are offering you the chance to earn a total return of £60 when you place a £10 bet on that being the outcome.

Queens Park Rangers travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Wednesday, hoping that their new manager and new signings will help to move them away from the relegation zone.

Mark Hughes, appointed following the sacking of Neil Warnock, was handed a large sum of money upon his arrival at the club, and has brought in a number of players to assist Rangers in their bid for survival.

Indeed, with it being transfer deadline day, there could still be more new faces to arrive at Loftus Road with former Liverpool striker, Djibril Cisse set to sign from Lazio.

The Hoops currently find themselves just two points and two places above the bottom three, but will be confident that they have enough fire power to move up the table to safety.

Of the 49 times the two sides have faced each other down the years, this has been a fixture that QPR have generally had the upper hand in, winning 22, losing 17 and drawing 10.

However, since the beginning of the Premier League era, neither of these two sides have managed an away win in the league. Earlier on this season, it finished as a stalemate, with the score at one apiece.

The last Premier League meeting at Villa Park between these two was back in 1996, as Villa ran out 4-2 winners.

Darren Bent will take his tally of Premier League goals to the milestone of 100, should he manage to net on Wednesday.

Match Odds

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is the home side who go into this one as heavy favourites with Totesport making them available at 1.80 (4/5) on to take the points.

Meanwhile, Rangers find themselves as the outsiders, with VC Bet offering odds of 5.00 (4/1) for them to win, while the draw is priced at 3.40 (12/5) with SportingBet.

First Goal Scorer

Could Darren Bent reach his landmark Premier League figure by scoring the first goal in this game? That may well be the case, as he finds himself as the 5.00 (4/1) favourite to do just that.

Robbie Keane, on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, is priced at 6.00 (5/1) to open the scoring, while Gabriel Agbonlahor is available at 7.00 (6/1).

Heidar Helguson is QPR’s 9.00 (8/1) favourites to score the first goal, while Manchester United loanee, Federico Macheda is 10.00 (9/1).

Recommended Bet

It could be argued that a win for QPR would be something of an upset in this game, but with Mark Hughes having brought in some exciting new talent, it does not appear to be entirely off the agenda.

For QPR to end this game a 2-1 winners, you can bring in a total return of £170 if you be £10 with Bet365, at odds of 17.00 (16/1).

Norwich make the 500 mile round trip to Sunderland on Wednesday, looking to pick up another impressive Premier League win, writes Will Taylor.

They go into the game in fine form, having won four of their last six games and remaining unbeaten in that time. Indeed, they are yet to suffer a Premier League defeat in 2012.

Sunderland, however, are not in bad form themselves either, having also won four of their last six games, losing only to Chelsea. Their 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in the FA Cup would appear to have been the only unexpected disappointment under the Martin O’Neill reign so far.

O’Neill has overseen something of a transformation at the Stadium of Light, transforming the Black Cats from relegation haunted strugglers, to a side now sitting in the top half of the table and even considering Europa League qualification.

But this will be no easy game, with Norwich’s resilience and determination proving to be one of the key factors in their success. They play to their strengths and have shown their Premier League rivals that they are no pushover.

The last time these two sides met was back in September, with the Canaries running out 2-1 winners thanks to a goal from defender Leon Barnett, who got on the end of a cross into the box from Elliot Bennett, before Steve Morison headed home what proved to be the decisive goal.

And it is a fixture that Norwich have enjoyed a bit of luck in through the years, winning 18, drawing 10 and losing just 11 times.

Match Winner

Despite all this, Sunderland are the side that go into the game with all the expectation, with Bet365 making them the 1.80 (4/5) odds on favourites.

Visitors Norwich will be hoping to win though, and find themselves as 4.50 (7/2) outsiders with Ladbrokes to come out on top in this one. The draw is available at 3.50 (5/2) with Totesport.

First Goal Scorer

Stephane Sessegnon is the 6.00 (5/1) favourite to open the scoring in this one, while former Ipswich striker, Connor Wickham will be keen to notch the first goal at odds of 7.00 (6/1).

Frazier Campbell marked his return to action from a long injury lay-off with a memorable goal against Middlesbrough at the weekend, and he is available to score first in this at 6.50 (11/2).

However, there is nothing like a big man up front when it comes to giving defenders nightmares, and in Grant Holt Norwich have one of them. He is 8.50 (15/2) to score first.

Steve Morison is available at 9.50 (17/2), while you can get the same odds on there not being a goalscorer at all in this one.

Recommended Bet

Norwich won this one 2-1 when the sides met at Carrow Road, so how about a reverse of that score line, with Sunderland to do just that on Wednesday?

A bet of £10 would bring in a total return of £80 with SkyBet if you were to back a 2-1 win to the Black Cats.

For Chelsea and Swansea, it is back to business in the Premier League following their contrasting fortunes in the FA Cup at the weekend, writes William Taylor.

Whilst the Blues were able to overcome local rivals QPR at Loftus Road, Swansea’s fortunes were not quite so positive, as they went down 2-1 to Bolton.

That may not be the end of the world for the Swans though, with their priority this season having been to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Had there also been a cup run to focus on, their attention could easily have been diverted.

This will be the second league meeting of these two sides this season, with the duo have faced one another back in September.

Swansea were given a tough welcome to the Premier League that day, as despite a decent performance, they ended up on the wrong side of a 4-1 hammering.

That was at Stamford Bridge, however, whereas this will be played at the Liberty Stadium, which will bring great confidence to Swans fans.

In 11 home games, Swansea have only been beaten once, and furthermore, have conceded only six goals – the joint lowest (with Manchester City) in the division. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all lost more home games than the Swans.

Of course, Chelsea will be one of the toughest opponents to visit the Liberty yet, and Brendan Rodgers will know his side have their work cut out if they wish to get anything from the game.

Match Winner

Despite the impressive home form of Swansea, it is no surprise that Chelsea go into this game as the favourites. Bet365 have them at 1.80 (4/5) on to win the game.

The draw is the second most likely outcome, according to bookmakers, with SkyBet offering 3.60 (13/5) on the sides finishing level. Swansea, meanwhile, are 5.00 (4/1) with BoyleSports.

First Goal Scorer

Daniel Sturridge and Fernando Torres both find themselves as favourites to open the scoring, with SkyBet offering odds of 5.50 (9/2).

Frank Lampard is close behind at 6.50 (11/2), while Juan Mata, who scored the winning goal against QPR at the weekend, is priced at 7.50 (13/2).

Danny Graham is the most likely Swansea player to open the scoring, with the former Watford man available at 8.00 (7/1)  with bookmakers. His team mate, Scott Sinclair is available at 9.00 (8/1).

Recommended Bets

For all Chelsea are expected to win this game fairly comfortably, there will be many who believe Swansea’s home form leaves them with a good chance of getting something out of this.

With Danny Graham in the goals, and keeper Michel Vorm keeping clean sheets at the other end, it might be wise to back a 1-0 home win.

Indeed, should you place a £10 bet on that happening with Coral, you could bring in a total return of £130.