Premier League – West Bromwich Albion v Swans at 20:00 on Tuesday, 2nd February 2016
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistants: S Ledger, M Salisbury
Fourth Official: T Harrington
The Swans recent victory at Everton was significant for a number of reasons, aside from a first ever league victory over the Toffees, it was the first time this season that the Swans had recorded back-to-back victories. Given the precarious league position the Swan find themselves in at the moment, it was a huge confidence boosting win.
As Francesco Guidolin and his coaching staff get more accustomed to their new surroundings, it will be another test of both his and his sides credentials as they face a West Brom side sitting just one place and three points ahead of them in the table. A win at the Hawthorns could actually see them overtake Tony Pullis men on goal difference, something which a month ago looked a highly unlikely possibility.
Perhaps more importantly, with home games against Crystal Palace and Southampton coming up, a third successive league win or even a draw at West Brom would start to build up the necessary momentum needed for the Swans to move away from the relegation dogfight, which would no doubt see a return of the confidence and belief by both team and fans alike.
If Paloschi does make a start, then expect Jack Cork or Ki Sung-yueng to make way as Guidolin tinkers with the formation he used so successfully at Everton.
Swansea have no injury concerns and were no doubt grateful for the extra time available for their new manager to work with his team, due to not being involved in the FA Cup last weekend – unlike the Baggies who were held 2-2 at home against Peterborough United.
The Baggies will be hoping that both Darren Fletcher and Chris Brunt return for the game after recent injuries, while goalkeeper Ben Foster is one of a number likely to be recalled after the FA Cup draw with Peterborough. New West Brom January transfer recruits Alex Pritchard and Sandro could also feature.
With the much talked about Saido Berahino not having gone anywhere (again) in this transfer window, Tony Pulis might be tempted to give him only his 9th Premier League start of the campaign.
If current form is anything to go by then we are likely to have a very close low scoring game on our hands, as only bottom of the table Aston Villa have scored fewer than the 22 Premier League goals scored by both the Baggies and Swans this season.
The Swans Premier League form at the Hawthorns shows two wins and two defeats, but interestingly, none of the previous nine Premier League meetings between the sides have ended in a draw and we’re backing the Swans to keep that run going with a nailbiting 1-0 win at the Hawthorns.
SCFC2 Prediction
West Bromwich Albion 0 Swans 1
What the Pundits Think
Paul Merson (Sky Sports) – West Bromwich Albion 1 Swans 1
I always think West Brom will be okay because of Tony Pulis. He’s too good at what he does for them to go down. I’m not saying the players are too good, Pulis is too good. West Brom very rarely lose games when they can’t afford to lose. Against Aston Villa the other week they were poor, but they did not lose. They got a point and those points add up in terms of a relegation battle. On the other hand, Swansea have turned a corner. They rode their luck against Everton but fair play to them, they got the result. I’m backing a 1-1 draw here. I don’t see West Brom losing games to the teams in and around them. Salomon Rondon can get the first goal for the hosts.”
Mark Lawrenson (BBC) – West Bromwich Albion 2 Swans 1
West Brom have drawn a few too many games recently and have slipped down the table. They are only one place and three points above Swansea, who come into the game on a high after back-to-back wins for the first time this season. But I am not really worried about the Baggies because, with any Tony Pulis team, you always know that when they really need a positive result, they get one.”
Alistair Mann (MOTD Commentator)
One of the main reasons why both West Brom and Swansea are in the pack of clubs just above the bottom three is their paltry total of just 22 goals – any side who net less than a goal a game know they’re likely to be precariously positioned. Despite this problem, both have being doing enough of late to keep out of the quicksand, with the Baggies having suffered just one defeat in five, while the Swans have lost just two in their last seven. At The Hawthorns, there has been more attention on Saido Berahino than the results on the pitch, while two successive victories and the appointment of Francesco Guidolin has lifted Swansea’s negativity. Defeat though for either and the ‘R’ word would undoubtedly resurface.”
Last meeting at The Hawthorns
11 February 2015: West Bromwich Albion 2 Swans 0
Current League Form (Last 6)
West Bromwich Albion: DLDWWL
Swansea: WWLLDW
Predicted Swans Starting XI:
Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams (Capt), Taylor, Britton, Ki, Cork, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Ayew.
At the Bookies
Those of you who fancy a flutter might want to check out the odds being offered on the game at the moment and here are a list of our top picks.
Don’t forget Sky Bet are currently offering £20 FREE when you bet just £5.
Get odds of 11/2 on Alberto Paloschi to score.
Get odds of 7/2 on the match to end as a 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 draw.
Get odds of 5/2 on the Swans to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1.
Let us know your thoughts – whether on the game or the betting odds(!) using the comment box below 🙂