Swansea City host Bournemouth this weekend in urge to end dismal form, while Eddie Howe’s Cherries want to prove they are Premier League material.
Swansea are searching for their only second win since August and Gary Monk is in a tough position. The manager is reportedly under pressure leading into this match and the potential failure in securing a victory could even cost him his job. The Jacks are disappointing the fans with each game, though the very same squad was thrilling during the opening month of the season. All the eyes will be on Bafetimbi Gomis, who is 11 hours and 36 minutes without a goal scored in all competitions.
Bournemouth are in an even worse position than their opposition, though this was somewhat more expected prior to the start of the season. The Cherries are one of the three teams to not hit the double-digits in number of points so far, laying at 18th position with only Sunderland and Aston Villa behind them. Eddie Howe needs to find new ways at the Vitality Stadium, as his side won only one point in last six matches. Bournemouth are conceding more and more, with 10 goals combined in matches against Manchester City and Tottenham. Yet, this is a better chance to claim some reward.
Key Battle – Bafetimbi Gomis vs Joshua King
Both players are under pressure for not finding the net. The French striker was on fire with four goals in as many opening matches of 2015-16. Yet, he is to score since late August and the Swans are in need of firepower. They have recorded only a dozen goals so far and Gomis has been in despair for a while now. King, on the other end, featured in 10 matches this season and he is yet to put his name on the scoreboard. His nine shots from inside of the box have not enough, but can he break the deadlock on Saturday?
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Team news
Gary Monk’s squad is once again completely ready for the match. There are no injured players, so it is hard to expect radical changes in the starting XI. Also, he has used only 17 players this season, with eight of them starting in every of the 12 matches. Eder did not use his time on the pitch well and even Gomis’ poor form is not enough for Monk to give the advantage to the Portuguese striker.
Eddie Howe is in a lot more trouble to complete the starting XI. His main striker Callum Wilson has been sidelined due to knee injury since late September after directly bringing seven out of the eight points Bournemouth have earned so far. Besides him, Howe will not be able to count on Tommy Elphick (ankle injury), Tyrone Mings (knee) and Max Gradel (knee) while Marc Pugh and Christian Atsu are doubtful. Howe’s tactics changed since Wilson got injured and his 4-4-1-1 formation could make problems for Swans if they defend more responsibly.
Head-to-head
Two teams met 17 times with both sides winning on seven occasions and three draws. In Wales, Swansea won four out of eight matches, drawing and losing twice.
Last time out, Bournemouth won 3-1 in a friendly match during the summer of 2014.
Prediction
Swansea have to improve in attack if they are to claim three points. Jefferson Montero and Andre Ayew could harass high defense of Bournemouth’s, though Swans must be cautious on the flanks defensively, where Matt Ritchie and Junior Stanislas will try to exploit any space left.
Swansea City 2 Bournemouth 1
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