Chelsea vs Cardiff LIVE - Latest score, what time does it start, TV channel, where to watch, odds, prediction
Chelsea are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season when they welcome newly promoted Cardiff City to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues eventually broke down a resilient Bournemouth side 2-0 in their last outing and will be looking to build on some impressive performances under new boss Maurizio Sarri who has started his inaugural season in the Premier League superbly having won four games out of four.
In contrast, their Welsh opponents remain winless despite an improved performance against Arsenal prior to the international break where they scored their first two goals of the campaign since restoring their place in England’s top division.
You sense that Bournemouth may be a little disappointed to only win by two goals.
Ryan Fraser scored twice and Josh King netted from the spot in a dominant first half for the home side, which was the same story after the break. Wes Morgan's red card for a second yellow made things a little easier and Adam Smith made it four in the 81st minute.
An unlikely show of life from the visitors was on show when James Maddison and Marc Albrighton scored late goals 90 seconds apart.
Chelsea regrouped after an early scare to put four past newly promoted Cardiff City. Sol Bamba gave the visitors an unlikely lead, but then the Eden Hazard show got underway. He rounded off a hat trick from the spot and Willian added a fourth late on to continue Maurizio Sarri's winning start to Premier League.
It was a bit of a smash and grab job for Crystal Palace, who return to winning ways after three defeats. Wilfried Zaha scored the only goal of the game on his return to the side after recovering from an injury.
It was business as usual at Manchester City as they easily put three past Fulham, who came to play. Leroy Sane scored on his first Premier League start just two minutes into the match, David Silva made it two before half time and Raheem Sterling rounded off the scoring after the break.
What a save from Petr Cech. He'll be happy with his game after a difficult few games. Joselu gets a good header to the ball but Cech tips it over the bar.
Marcos Alonso gets forward and squares a ball to Willian on the edge of the box. With his first touch, he curls the ball into the top corner, it's a lovely finish.
81: It's poor from Sol Bamba, he lunges in on Willian and brings him down with a clumsy challenge. Eden Hazard has the chance to wrap up his hat trick and does so with a great penalty into the top corner.
Things are getting worse, and worse for Leicester who will be waiting for the final whistle. A ball into the box isn't cleared and Adam Smith is unmarked and fires in from close range.
Still no Salomon Rondon or Jonjo Shelvey for Newcastle, which makes absolutely no sense. Now would be a great time to bring the pair on and unleash havoc on the Arsenal defence.
69: Wes Morgan has been given his marching orders and Leicester are down to ten men. The Leicester stretched with his right foot, got the ball, but follow through on Adam Smith was deemed dangerous and receives a second yellow card.
65: Chelsea are looking for a third goal and Pedro looks the most likely to get it for Maurizio Sarri's side. He chests down a lovely ball from Eden Hazard and swivels to face goal and flashes a shot wide from close range.
62: How, oh how it this still 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Aaron Mooy hits the post with a volley from range and Wayne Hennessey saves well on the follow up to deny Hadergjonaj.
59: Arsenal really have the wind in their sails at the moment and go close to adding a third. A swift counter attack finds Pierre Emerik-Aubameyang, who flashes a shot wide.
The Bluebirds have kept two clean sheets despite a lack of goals with manager Neil Warnock insisting that his side will not “shut up shop” against the 2016-17 champions despite the Blues opening haul of ten goals in their first four fixtures.
Neil Warnock's men have lost all four of their Premier League games (Getty)
On the game the former Crystal Palace boss said: "If you shut shop at Stamford Bridge you're going to get picked off and lose by two or three anyway.
“You may as well have a go, you just have to hope you don't leave yourself wide open to a pasting.
What time does it start?
Chelsea vs Cardiff kicks off at 15:00 BST
Where can I watch it?
Live coverage will not be shown in the UK as the game falls in the football television blackout, but you can follow live coverage on the Independent. Highlights are available on Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:20 BST.
It’s a big game for
Neil Etheridge: The former Chelsea academy and Fulham player has had a great start to life in the English top flight keeping two clean sheets and saving two penalties in his opening three games. The Philippine international – who became the first of his nation to play in the Premier League- will have to be at his best against his former club if Cardiff are to get anything against this in-form Chelsea side.
Best stat
4: Eden Hazard has had a hand in four goals in his first four Premier League games under Maurizio Sarri (2 goals, 2 assists), two more than he managed in his final 10 league matches under Antonio Conte (1 goal, 1 assist).
Remember when
David Marshall Clanger – Should it of stood?
David Marshall was subject of controversy the last time the two teams met at Stamford Bridge when then Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o appeared to knock the ball out of Marshalls hands while the Scottish keeper was bouncing the ball. Eventually resulting in an Eden Hazard goal, the goal was seen as a moment of madness by the Scottish goalkeeper who himself described the goal as “silly goal to lose” in Cardiff’s eventual 4-1 hammering by the Blues.
Player to watch
Marcos Alonso: Despite playing as left back in a back four, Marcos Alonso has continued his phenomenal attacking exploits from defence under the new regime with one goal and two assists in his first four games. Manager Maurizio Sarri suggested that he was “maybe the best-left back in Europe” although admitting that he can still improve on numerous aspects of his game.
Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard have started the season in fine form (Getty Images)
Past three-meetings
Cardiff City 1 (Azplicueta og) Chelsea 2, Premier League, August 2014
Chelsea 4 (Hazard 2, Eto’o, Oscar), Cardiff City 1 (Mutch), Premier League, October 2013
Chelsea 4 (Drogba, Ballack, Sturridge, Kalou), Cardiff City 1 (Chopra), FA Cup, February 2010
Premier League Form guide
Chelsea: WWWW
Cardiff: LDDL
Odds
Chelsea to win: 1/6
Cardiff to win: 17/1
Draw: 6/1
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
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