After thrilling 2-2 draws during the opening day of the new season, Swansea City and Newcastle will seek their first victory of the term when they meet at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
If the matches from last round are any measure an exciting clash awaits. Swansea stood up to current champions, Chelsea erasing their lead on two occasions to earn a prized point at the Bridge. Garry Monk’s side demonstrated strong character with the likes of Jefferson Montero and Andre Ayew providing great displays and causing headaches for arguably the strongest defensive unit in Europe.
While last year’s stellar start of nine points from three opening matches will not be met, a win against a rejuvenated Magpies outfit will mark a successful start to their Premier League campaign.
On the other hand, Newcastle were denied by a late Shane Long header as they drew against last season’s surprise package, Southampton. Goals from new-boy Georginio Wijnaldum and Papiss Demba Cisse showed the kind of attacking threat that the Magpies lacked under interim manager, John Carver. As well as their upcoming rival, Newcastle showed great attacking potency, but will have to improve defensively if they are to quell a robust Swansea attack.
Key Battle – Gylfi Sigurdsson v Georginio Wijnaldum
The key battle in this match pairs two playmakers who have a lot of influence on the way their respective teams play.
Georginio Wijnaldum was terrific against Southampton, scoring early in the second half and creating several chances from the right hand-side of Newcastle’s attack.
Gylfi Sigurdsson was effective as well. The Icelandic midfielder only denied by the woodwork in his side’s draw against the champions.
Team News
Swansea’s early business saw them complete all their major transfers before the season’s commencement last weekend. The back four has remained a constant apart from the arrival of backup Franck Tabanou from St. Ettiene. Ki Sung-yueng’s selection is in doubt after he was replaced just 41 minutes into the match against Chelsea. The central midfielder looks unlikely to be declared fit for Saturday’s game with Jack Cork tipped to take his place.
Jonjo Shelvey was one of his team’s best players last week. The former-Liverpool man contributing with six key passes, a feat he will need to replicate if Swansea are to take all three points at home. Montero and Ayew are expected to occupy wider roles leaving Bafetimbi Gomis as the lone striker with Sigurdsson lurking from behind.
Swansea City Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Shelvey, Ki Sung-yueng/Cork; Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero; Gomis
Newcastle, on the other hand, have slightly more problems to tend with. Steve McClaren is sweating on defender Paul Dummett, midfielder Remy Cabella and forward Emmanuel Riviere ahead of Saturday’s encounter. All three are sidelined, due to hamstring, thigh and knee injuries respectively. This, however, should have little impact on the starting XI.
Tim Krul’s place between the posts seems assured while new signing Chancel Mbemba and experienced Fabricio Coloccini will be looking after Gomis on Saturday. Massadio Haidara and Daryl Janmaat complete the back four. Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback will square up in the heart of midfield, with Moussa Sissoko, Gabriel Obertan and Wijnaldum in front of them. Cisse will be the lone striker, with Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic poised for a spell off the bench.
Newcastle United Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Krul; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara; Anita, Colback; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Obertan; Cisse
Head-to-head
Since Swansea became a regular participant of the Premier League in 2009, the two sides have met on 10 occassions. The Swans have won five times with Newcastle finishing on top just twice. Newcastle have won just once before when visiting the Liberty Stadium.
Previous meeting
Swansea defeated Newcastle 3-2 at St James’ Park back in April in an exhilarating encounter. Nelson Oliveira, Sigurdsson and Cork gave them a nice lead after Ayoze Perez’s opening goal. Siem de Jong’s late goal was merely a consolation.
Prediction
Swansea’s organisation and defensive nous will hold them in good stead for this one. Meanwhile the flux of player movement at St James’ Park this season means Newcastle are likely to hit their straps later in the season. The Swans to edge it.
Swansea City 2 Newcastle 1
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