Manager-less Swansea City face a tough trip to the Etihad this week in a bid to get their season back on track.
The Swans recently parted ways with Garry Monk after a string of disappointing results which see them sitting in 15th position, only a point above the relegation zone.
City themselves are looking to get back to winning ways after they were beaten by Stoke last week. The Citizens have only won two of their last six games but still manage to find themselves in third position in the league.
Key Battle – Eliaquim Mangala vs Andre Ayew
City have conceded eight goals in their last five league matches whereas Swansea have only scored in two of their last five. It does not have all the makings of an exciting fixture but you can expect both sides to put in strong performances.
The French defender has been part of an abysmal City defence in the absence of Vincent Kompany. The 24-year-old arrived in Manchester last season and is yet to make any sort of decent impact after miserably failing to live up to his £32 million price tag. Mangala will be more than keen to impress against lowly Swansea and a much needed clean sheet might just do the job.
On the other hand, Andre Ayew has enjoyed a good start to his Premier League career since joining the Welsh side this season. His form has been quite contrary to that of his side’s, as he has managed six goals and two assists in the 15 games he has featured in. Not bad for a midfielder playing for a team that are the second-lowest scoring side in the league.
The Ghanaian has been the Swans’ only shining light this season and is also Swansea’s top scorer this season. He will get a good opportunity against a shaky City defence to add to his tally and add some smiles to the faces of Swansea fans as well.
Team News
City’s injury concerns continue with Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri and Patrick Roberts all set to miss this one. Fernando and Martin Demichelis are carrying slight injury concerns and are doubts.
Frank Tabanou is the only Swansea player ruled out for the trip the Manchester, while Eder is a doubt but is likely to feature at some point during the game.
Head-to-Head
There have been 28 fixtures between the two sides over the years, with City winning a staggering 18 of them and the Swans winning on seven occasions, while the remaining three games have ended as draws. Since Swansea’s promotion to the Premier League, they have only taken four points off City in eight games, winning one and drawing another.
Previous Meeting
The two sides last met towards the end of last season in Wales, when City came away comfortable 4-2 victors.
Prediction
City seem clear favourites against a Swansea side that currently does not have a manager. Manuel Pellegrini will expect his side to comfortably claim all three points, especially after a good result in its midweek Champions League outing. Swansea will go out all guns blazing but might not have enough to take down the Citizens.
Manchester City 4 Swansea City 1
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