The quest for the victory is still in progress at the Liberty, as Swansea have only one win since August and facing West Bromwich Albion isn’t necessary a bad thing, yet it’s Boxing Day which reminds Swans fans of how poor they have been so far.
Alan Curtis has improved Swansea side since he took over as an interim manager, but the board’s hesitancy to find Garry Monk’s heir is mirroring the display of the players on the pitch – hesitant. Swans were very unlucky not to get a point against Manchester City a fortnight ago, but they were irresolute last time out when West Ham travelled to Liberty. Great possession and a solid build-up play were great for the home team, yet they seriously lacked determination in front of the opposition box. Curtis already showed this side can improve and a meeting with Tony Pulis’ unpredictable outfit could be a turning point for them.
West Brom were not a team you would call constant, but their recent form is not the best either. Since the great 2-1 comeback victory against Arsenal, it has passed a whole month and the Birmingham side has collected just three points in four matches. The draws against West Ham, Tottenham and Liverpool are credible results, but the loss to Bournemouth could actually hurt them.
West Brom are 13th with only three points more than the 17th Newcastle. They do have things in their hands for now, but a slip up during the festive period could mean problems for the Baggies in the new year.
Key Battle – Bafetimbi Gomis vs Saido Berahino
Bafetimbi Gomis was an early season barometer for his team, but has struggled for months. His inefficiency ended against City with a well taken goal, and he will have a new opportunity to show that his fortunes are turning around.
Saido Berahino, on the other side, will likely lead the line due to Salomon Rondon’s red card last outing. The English striker remains an impressive prospect and will be keen to dispel his bad boy reputation for that infamous failed Spurs transfer and add to his paltry three goals this season.
Team News
Wayne Routledge and Franck Tabanou will not be at the manager’s disposal this weekend. Routledge has slight knee problems and the French left-back has a thigh injury. Aside from those two players, they have a healthy bill of health.
Curtis could set the team up in a familiar 4-3-1-2 formation, with Gylfi Sigurdsson operating behind Andre Ayew and Gomis. However, the interim boss might even operate with the 4-3-3 that was used in that agonising defeat away to City, which would benefit Ayew.
Swansea City Expected Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Cork, Ki, Shelvey/Britton; Sigurdsson; Gomis, Ayew
Tony Pulis is still waiting for goalkeeper Ben Foster to return from his knee injury, a big issue, as Foster has not played a minute this season and his return date still remains unknown. Rondon and James McClean both got sent-off against Bournemouth and will not be in the squad. McClean’s horror start at Liverpool was enough to anger Jurgen Klopp, but against the Cherries he got a deserved straight red.
West Brom are expected to play in 4-1-4-1 formation, with Berahino upfront and a solid defensive block behind him, replicating Slaven Bilić’s recipe from last week – sitting back and waiting for chances from counter-attack.
West Bromwich Albion Expected Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Brunt; Evans; Gardner, Fletcher, Morrison, Sessegnon; Berahino
Head-to-head
In 14 matches the teams have played against each other, Swansea have been the better side with eight wins and five losses. At the Liberty, the home team have won on five occasions, while West Brom has just two victories.
Previous meeting
The latest meeting was in February this year, with the Baggies securing a 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns. Brown Ideye and Berahino did the damage for the home team.
Prediction
Swansea seem to be improving in every department, except for gaining results. Curtis needs to implore his players to be braver when in attacking areas, especially against a West Brom side who rarely conceded on the road.
Swansea City 1 West Bromwich Albion 0
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