Since winning the Capital One Cup at the tail end of February there hasn’t been much to shout about from a Swansea perspective. They’ve managed just one win against a struggling Newcastle side and haven’t tasted victory in their last six matches. Despite their run of poor form the Swans have still clung on to their top-half position and are currently ninth in the Premier League table. There is still a chance of finishing eighth but must snap out of this end of season malaise that has manager Michael Laudrup pulling his hair out.
The chance to get back to winning ways could be stifled by a Manchester City side, who have their eyes on next Saturday’s FA Cup final. You can forgive Roberto Mancini and his men having their eyes firmly set on the Wembley showpiece, even though they’ve yet to confirm second position and have Chelsea breathing down their necks. With that in mind the incentives couldn’t be higher for the City players with his game likely to be viewed as an audition for the final. Not to mention avenging the defeat they suffered at the Liberty Stadium last season.
Team News
Swansea have doubts over defender Chico Flores after he suffered a bruised arm in training. The south Wales club will also have to make do without hamstring injury victim Roland Lamah.
Joe Hart is fit for Manchester City after hurting his back in the win over West Ham last week. Sergio Agüero, David Silva and James Milner (all hamstring) are fit after coming through unscathed against the Hammers.
What the managers said…
“You are always disappointed when you have a bad run. Achieving 40 points after the cup win was very important, and we managed to do that. We have to accept that the results have been disappointing, but it’s not my job to find excuses – I want to find solutions. But the fact is that is our only win so far after the final and we are trying to change that. We know we have some difficult games coming up.” Michael Laudrup accepts Swansea have performed been below-par in recent games (swanseacity.net)
“Next year there will be four or five teams who can play for the title. Not only two, like in the last two years. It's better for the championship. Five teams that fight for the title, I think it's good. I think next year will be stronger than this year probably. Also Chelsea is a good team this year. We hope Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal can play for the title.” Roberto Mancini believes as many as five teams could challenge for the title next season (The Mirror)
Pre-match Statistic: Swansea have triumphed in four of their last six home league games against City, losing just once.
Prediction: Swansea City 0-3 Manchester City
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