Premier League leaders Chelsea return to league action on Saturday when they host relegation-threatened Swansea City at Stamford Bridge (12.30pm kick-off).

Antonio Conte’s men made it through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in their last game by comfortably beating Championship side Wolves 2-0 at Molineux, and their reward is a home clash with former boss Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.

However, several Premier League games are taking place before then as the Blues look to close in on a fifth title in 12 years, starting with three points against Paul Clement’s Swans on Saturday.

Yet, the Welsh side have been resurgent under the former Derby boss since his appointment last month, having won four of their last six matches, with their only losses coming against Arsenal and Manchester City.

Nonetheless, the Blues will go in as favourites on Saturday, and with them kicking off the Premier League weekend, they have the chance to go 11 points clear at the top and pile the pressure on the chasing pack.

In what should be a fascinating encounter at Stamford Bridge, we analysed the THREE key battles which could decide Saturday’s game…

David Luiz vs Fernando Llorente

Fernando Llorente was linked with a surprise move to Chelsea during the January transfer window, yet on Saturday he is going to come up against them in an attempt to lead Swansea to a famous away win.

The Spanish international has scored eight goals in 22 league appearances for the Swans this term, including a quick-fire brace in their 3-2 victory over Liverpool last month.

A strong striker who is aerially dominant but also links the play particularly well, the 31-year-old will be a threat against the Blues, and one that David Luiz will have to snuff out if the hosts are to keep a clean sheet.

The former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back has been an absolute revelation this season, seamlessly taking to the back three role and clearly enjoying the responsibility that comes with it.

The Brazilian international has defended better this season than ever before, and he’ll once again have to be at the top of his game to keep Llorente quiet and frustrated on Saturday.

Tom Carroll vs N’Golo Kante

The battle of midfield supremacy is absolutely crucial in Premier League football, and it’s something that N’Golo Kante has got down to a tee.

The French international has continued at Chelsea where he left off at champions Leicester last season with several impressive displays in the middle for the Blues, starting all but one of their 25 league matches this term.

The 25-year-old continues to intercept almost everything and reads and anticipates the game incredibly well, with his partnership with Nemanja Matic in the Chelsea midfield arguably the best in the division.

And it will be up to Swansea’s Tom Carroll to try and minimise Kante’s influence in the middle of the park on Saturday.

The 24-year-old left Tottenham in January after not appearing at all for the club in the league this season, yet he has already started all four of Swansea’s league matches since his arrival.

And no wonder, given that his displays have been impressive, and he even chipped in with an assist in the win at Liverpool last month.

It’s going to be a tough ask for Carroll, but keeping the ball moving and keeping Kante out of the action will be key if Swansea are to get anything from Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Diego Costa vs Alfie Mawson

Diego Costa has been one of the in-form strikers in the Premier League this season, having netted 15 times in 23 starts for the Blues.

The Spanish international has been the focal point of a front three which has caused no end of problems for several Premier League defences this term, and with five assists as well, he’s also been an important creator as well as finisher in Conte’s side.

And it is Swansea defender Alfie Mawson faced with the unenviable task of trying to thwart the 28-year-old on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has started 14 of the Swans 25 league games this season, and has netted three goals in his last six matches for the club, the latest coming in their 2-0 victory over champions Leicester two weeks ago.

Two man-of-the-match displays in the last month or so demonstrates that he is in good form and high in confidence, and he’ll need to recreate those displays again on Saturday if he is too frustrate Costa, and indeed keep the league leaders at bay.