It’s hard to ague that Swansea have hit the brakes and slowed down to a stroll since winning the Capital One Cup at the end of February. Already assured of Premier League and European football next season the south Wales club have had little to aim for in the last two months. While their passing philosophy remains pleasing on the eye they’ve become complacent at the back and ambitions of a top-half finish have been jeopardised as a result. Michael Laudrup’s men have gone four games without a win, lost their last two at the Liberty Stadium and owe it to themselves to stop their excellent campaign from falling flat. Luckily for the Swans there’s a good omen attached to the visit of Southampton in that they’re unbeaten in 30 years against this weeks visitors.
Crossing the 40-point line will be Southampton’s goal on Saturday as they seek to allay any gnawing relegation fears. A five-match unbeaten run as put the Saints on the cusp of safety and they’ll reaching the top-flight’s safe haven with victory at the south Wales. They’ve made giant strides during Mauricio Pochettino’s short reign, defensively in particular, and victory at Swansea would allow them to start looking towards a top-10 finish and enjoy the rest of what has been a promising season.
Team News
Ben Davies, Ashley Williams, Ki Sung-yueng and Michel Vorm have all returned to training after being granted a break by manager Michael Laudrup. Leon Britton also returns after missing the draw at Norwich to be at the birth of his twin sons.
Luke Shaw, Jason Puncheon and Jay Rodriguez have all overcome illness and should start at the Liberty Stadium. Midfielder Jack Cork is expected to feature in what could be his 100th appearances for Southampton. Kelvin Davis (leg) and Guly do Prado (fever) are doubts
What the managers said…
“We have conceded too many. We have played against Arsenal and Tottenham, and when you play sides like that it can happen because of the individual quality they have. But even in the other games (against West Brom and Norwich), we have conceded too many goals. Eight goals in four games is too much. I have been pleased with the overall performances we have produced in all our games since the cup final, but we have conceded too easily in that period.” Michael Laudrup has urged his Swansea side to sharpen up defensively (This is South Wales)
“I do think that we play with qualities from the English game, but we add to that with our experience of formations and education as continental managers. It is going to be a tough game, and a very different one to the one against West Ham because they play in a different styles. They demand different things from you. That doesn’t mean either style is better or worse, just that we need to treat the games in a different manner.” Mauricio Pochettino admits Southampton’s playing style is similar to Swansea’s (saintsfc.co.uk)
Pre-match Statistic: Swansea are the only other side in the Premier League side apart from Fulham yet to win a game after conceding the first goal.
Prediction: Swansea City 3-2 Southampton
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