Swansea City will embark on a trip to the Vitality Stadium this weekend as they gear up to face Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth in the Matchweek 29 of the Premier League on Saturday.
Manager Paul Clement has managed to pull the Welsh club somewhat away from the threat of relegation, but they are still some distance away from absolute safety. Swansea lost their previous game in the league against Hull City and will be hoping to bounce back with a positive result against the Cherries. A win could bring them level on points with their Saturday’s opponents and move them a place up into 15th position.
The last time the two teams met at the Liberty Stadium on the New Years’ eve, Swansea were beaten 3-0 thanks to goals from Benik Afobe, Ryan Fraser and Josh King, who is in good form having scored a hat-trick last weekend against West Ham United. Clement will be hoping for a better result this time around though.
Defender Angel Rangel has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a metatarsal fracture, while fellow right-back Kyle Naughton remains a doubt for the weekend. Star striker Fernando Llorente will also be assessed close to the game, after he was taken off against Hull City with a dead leg and January signing Martin Olsson is also slightly doubtful to take part due to an ankle injury. With so many injury issues, here is how Swansea could line up against the Cherries:
Predicted Swansea City Line-Up
Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
In goal, Fabianski will continue to hold his spot. The Polish keeper hasn’t had the best of times in recent weeks, and will be itching for a clean sheet.
Jordi Amat (RB)
With first-choice right-back Naughton doubtful and Rangel ruled out for the rest of the season, Jordi Amat will get a look in. Primarily a centre-half, the 24-year old will have his task cut out against Ryan Fraser and the likes.
Federico Fernandez (CB)
In the centre of the defence, Federico Fernandez will start once again. With Josh King in a hot streak, he will have his hands full dealing with the attacker.
Alfie Mawson (CB)
And partnering Fernandez will be Alfie Mawson. The summer signing scored a late goal against Hull last weekend and looks a great threat in the opposition box.
Stephen Kingsley (LB)
With Martin Olsson doubtful, we expect Stephen Kingsley to get a chance on the left-side of the defence. The 22-year old will be making his 10th Premier League start of the season.
Jack Cork (DM)
At the base of the midfield, it will be captain Jack Cork. He will be tasked with restricting the creativity of Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park.
Leroy Fer (CM)
Dutchman Leroy Fer will take up the position ahead of Cork in the midfield. His surging forward runs and energy will be key for Swansea.
Tom Carroll (CM)
And alongside Fer, completing the midfield trio will be Tom Carroll. The former Tottenham man has had a great influence after coming in, in January and will retain his place.
Luciano Narsingh (RW)
On the right-flank, we expect a change with Luciano Narsingh coming in for Wayne Routledge. The Englishman was wasteful against Hull last weekend, paving way for Narsingh’s inclusion.
Jordan Ayew (CF)
Leading the line will be another January acquisition Jordan Ayew. The former Aston Villa man should get a look in with regular striker Fernando Llorente doubtful with injury issues.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (LW)
And completing the attacking trident will be Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Iceland international is the most creative player for Swansea and he will be key against the Cherries on Saturday.
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