Date: Sunday, 10th November Venue: Liberty Stadium Kick-Off: 16:10 GMT Both teams have had quite a slow start to the Premier League season, respectively coming into the game in 14th and 18th place. In Swansea's case their slower start could be put down to their involvement in Europe, we all saw how Newcastle struggled last season, and it seems to be taking affect on the Swans too. An extremely disappointing result in last-week's Welsh derby combined with the news that headline-grabber Michu will be out for a month, has made it a tough week for the Swans, who have been consistently making good headlines ever since their promotion to the top-flight. Swansea will hoping that record signing Wilfried Bony will be able to start scoring in a absence of Michu, the Ivorian has shown good form in Europe scoring 3 in 3, but has struggled in the league with only 2 goals in 7 appearances. Life under Mark Hughes did have a bright start for Stoke winning their first 2 out of 4 and gaining a point at home against title-favourites Manchester City. However, Stoke have only picked up two points since, although they can be happy with their previous two league performance despite only picking up 1 point. A Javier Hernández winner at Old Trafford cruelly robbed Stoke of a deserved point at least, then a 1-1 draw against Southampton gave Stoke a hard-earned draw in difficult conditions - a game which shall be remembered for a 12 second Asmir Begovic goal. With both teams struggling for goals a draw looks seems to be a likely result.
Team News
Gerhard Tremmel is set to take the place of the suspended Michel Vorm after the Dutchman was sent-off in the Welsh derby. Jonjo Shelvey is available after missing out on the mid-week trip to Krasnodar due to personal reasons. Spanish talisman Michu has been ruled out for a month after picking up a knee injury. Glen Whelan and Jon Waters look to be available after picking up slight knocks earlier this week. Left-back Erik Pieters is has a back strain however could be available.
Key Facts
Head-to-Head Swansea were victorious the last time the two teams met triumphing 3-1. 3 out of the last 4 meeting between the two teams have resulted in a 2-0 home win. Swansea Swansea have failed to score in 3 out of their 4 last league games. Angel Rangel is only 1 of out 2 other European outfield players to make a save this season - tipping over a Peter Whittingham free-kick after Michel Vorm's dismissal. Wilfried Bony's only open-play league goal came on his league debut in the opening day defeat to Manchester United. Stoke City After last weeks opener against Southampton, Asmir Begovic is Stoke's joint top-scorer. Jon Walters is looking to make his 100th consecutive league start - currently the longest run in the league. Victory for Stoke will be Mark Hughes 100th Premiership win as manager.
Recent Form
Swansea - WLLWDLStoke City - LLLDLD
Advertisement
Likely Line-Ups
Swansea - 433 Tremmel: Rangel, Chico Flores, Williams, Davies: De Guzman, Britton, Shelvey: Dyer, Bony Hernandez Stoke City - 4231 Begovic: Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters: Palacios, N'Zonzi: Walters, Ireland, Arnuatovic: Crouch Prediction: 1-1 source - bbc football