Two teams head into this match looking for a positive result and hoping that they will build on what was achieved prior to the international break.
Swansea City want to end a run of poor form which has included four matches without a win, jumping over September with two out of 12 possible points. Stoke City, on the other hand, ended their early season crisis with victories over Bournemouth and Aston Villa, now ready to prolong their winning streak.
The Swans are still unbeaten at Liberty Stadium this campaign after two labored draws against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, yet his time they play against a side they must beat if they want to fight for the European qualification places. Garry Monk’s squad must show their real strength if want to become a legitimate challenger for the glory spots on the Premier League table.
Stoke are now gradually climbing the table, with six points in last the two matches following three in the previous six games. Mark Hughes managed to keep his squad patient after a shaky start to the season and now they have a challenge in front of them. Swansea are a tough team to beat at home, losing only once since mid-March, to competition favourites Manchester City.
Key Battle – Bafetimbi Gomis vs Philipp Wollscheid
As mentioned prior to Swansea’s game against Manchester United, Bafetimbi Gomis is always in a good mood when he plays against a less physical centre-back. This time though he will not be able to exploit Marc Muniesa’s lack of physical presence and will have to cope with the strong presence of Philipp Wollscheid. The French striker has lost his form at the same time as the whole squad, but this duel could earn him the confidence back if he gets the supply he needs. Do not be surprised if Gomis ends his goal drought on Monday night.
Team News
Once again Garry Monk has no problems with his squad’s bill of health. All of his players are fit, yet it will be interesting to see if Angel Rangel will start at the right-back once again. He replaced Kyle Naughton well against Spurs in the previous fixture, not allowing Nacer Chadli to pass him by. Ashley Williams is expected to continue his fine form after securing a Euro 2016 spot with Wales’ national team, but the biggest question in the starting XI will be who will start next to Jonjo Shelvey – Ki Sung-yueng or Jack Cork. The first option sounds more realistic, slightly more offensive minded since Swans are playing at home. We should once again see the same forward line featuring Jefferson Montero, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andre Ayew, playing behind Gomis.
The only question mark for Mark Hughes prior to the game is Ryan Shawcross’ fitness’, still yet to play a single minute this season. Glen Johnson will be on a test against Montero and Hughes should give him support with another defensively oriented midfielder, most probably Charlie Adam helping the English right-back. The Stoke manager will not be changing his starting XI drastically after two good consecutive victories.
Marko Arnautovic now seems to be finding his form after a poor start, improving his displays in the last three matches with two assists and a goal at Villa Park, earning important three points for the Potters. Mame Biram Diouf had a slight hip injury, but will be ready to attack Federico Fernandez and Williams on Monday, while Bojan Krkic is getting back into full match fitness following his previous injuries. All-in-all, Stoke will have all the weapons they need in order to become the first team to get back from Wales with three points.
Head-to-head
The two teams have played 14 times in recent history, with Swansea holding the advantage in their clashes by winning seven compared with the Potters’ four, drawing three times. At the Liberty Stadium though, Stoke have not won in seven matches, the Swans claiming five times and two matches ending in draws.
Previous meeting
The Welsh outfit won 2-0 at Liberty Stadium in the previous encounter. After a tough first-half, Montero scored in the 76th minute of the match and Ki Sung-yueng confirmed the victory in stoppage-time.
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Prediction
Hughes’ men will come into the match with full momentum and their side beginning to gel, but the Swans have no better opportunity to halt the slight decline they have experienced as of late. Expect the firepower of Ayew, Gomis and company to prevail in the end.
Swansea City 2 Stoke City 1
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