Swansea Vs Everton: Match Preview, Team News & Likely Line-Ups

by Jamie Clark

Everton travel to Swansea knowing they have never lost this fixture home or away. The prize for another Toffees victory here is to go above Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League until at least Monday.

Michael Laudrup's Swans meanwhile could make history and climb back into the top half just in time for Christmas. The hosts have found juggling Europa League commitments with domestic games difficult in their third season in the top flight.

Swansea have recorded just two wins in all competitions since thumping Sunderland 4-0 in mid-October. Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who used to play for and coach the Swans, in contrast has seen his side only suffer one league defeat all season.

Team News

Laudrup is without number one Michel Vorm as he underwent knee surgery to correct a long-standing problem this week. Swansea's Dutch goalie is also joined on the sidelines by winger Nathan Dyer, who has an ankle ligament injury.

Right back Angel Rangel serves a suspension and fellow Spaniard Michu is doubtful because of an ankle problem. Compatriot Chico Flores and club stalwart Leon Britton could return for the Swans, however.

The Toffees have lost young Barcelona loan star Gerard Deulofeu to a hamstring injury for six weeks. He joins long-term absentees Darron Gibson, Magaye Gueye and Arouna Kone on the treatment table.

England left back Leighton Baines is likely to find this trip to South Wales comes too early for him to make his comeback from a broken toe. He is expected to figure in Everton's next game on Boxing Day. Martinez does have summer signing James McCarthy back from a ban.

Source: BBC

Likely Line-Ups

Swansea: 25 Gerhard Tremmel, 19 Dwight Tiendalli, 4 Chico Flores/2 Jordi Amat, 6 Ashley Williams, 33 Ben Davies, 21 Jose Canas/7 Leon Britton, 20 Jonathan De Guzman, 15 Wayne Routledge, 8 Jonjo Shelvey, 11 Pablo Hernandez, 10 Wilfried Bony 4-2-3-1

Everton: 24 Tim Howard, 23 Seamus Coleman, 6 Phil Jagielka, 15 Sylvain Distin, 8 Bryan Oviedo, 16 James McCarthy, 18 Gareth Barry, 11 Kevin Mirallas, 20 Ross Barkley/21 Leon Osman, 22 Steven Pienaar, 17 Romelu Lukaku 4-2-3-1

Contributor
Contributor

Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.