Swansea City and Stoke City will meet Sunday on the pitch at Liberty Stadium in a battle of English Premiership rivals. The Potters look to build in this match upon Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Southampton. Last time out, Swansea City lost to Cardiff 1-0.
Swansea’s season has not been quite as positive as last year. Despite this they are still playing in the Europa League and look like advancing as well. This seems to have brought on some of their difficulties in the Premier League and being able to cope with two major competitions.
What to expect from the Match
Swansea City will be looking to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat to fierce rivals Cardiff City last Sunday whe they welcome Stoke City. The Swans will be without the services of key pairing Michu and Michel Vorm, who will sit out through injury and suspension, respectively. Pablo Hernández and Garry Monk are also sidelined through injury.
Swansea have struggled to keep goals out this season. Despite scoring 12 goals they have also allowed 12 goals. They have kept four clean sheets this season, including back to back home clean sheets. Swansea City have struggled at the Liberty Stadium this season, winning just 1 in 5 in the league. Manager Michael Laudrup will be keen to correct their poor form in front of their own fans against a Stoke City that has travelled particularly poorly this term.
Stoke City secured a point against a resolute Southampton side last time out and they’ll look to head into the international break with a confidence boosting win against Swansea City. Andy Wilkinson is Mark Hughes’ only injury worry ahead of the trip to the Liberty Stadium, but the Potters boss has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from other than that. Wilson Palacios started from the bench against Southampton, but may come in at the expense of Glenn Whelan to solidify the midfield.
Coming into this match Stoke have not won 30 out of their last 33 away matches. They are also winless in their past seven matches, which include three draws. In this same time period they have scored four goals and allowed nine. They did keep two clean sheets in 0-0 home draws to Manchester City and Wes Brom. On the road this season they have scored four goals and allowed eight to give them a record of 1-0-4. The Potters have won just 1 of their 5 away league games and have lost their last 3 trips to the Liberty Stadium. However, Mark Hughes will draw confidence on Swansea’s poor home form as a means of picking up a positive result.
Predicted Starting line ups
Prediction
3 of the last 4 league meetings between these sides has resulted in a 2-0 home win and despite their poor performances at home, Swansea will be expected to secure maximum points.
Swansea City 2-0 Stoke City