Preview provided by Dan Perkins, Radio City’s Lead Football Commentator:
It’s safe to say that Michael Duff has gradually won over some supporters as Swansea seem to be back on the right track under the former Barnsley boss. In his first seven league matches, the team only managed to secure three points. However, they have collected 15 points over the same number of fixtures that followed.
Listen Live from 2:45PM here – https://www.radiocity1386am.co.uk/listennow.html
Although they faced back-to-back home defeats against Leicester City and Watford, the Swans bounced back with a 1-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. The clean sheet was as crucial as the result, marking only the third Championship shutout under Duff’s leadership.
It means Swansea’s recent form away from home has been superb with 10 points gained from their last four away matches. Their performances at home have been a bit more variable, but they have only failed to score in one home game this season, which was against Watford in their last match.
From Sunderland’s perspective, their season has been marked by all-or-nothing results, with only one draw in their first 14 fixtures. A recent three-game losing streak has increased the pressure on Tony Mowbray, with six defeats in their last 13 games – not the performance expected by the Black Cats’ leadership after their playoff appearance last season.
However, Mowbray’s side made a strong comeback in their last match, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Norwich City. This win elevated them to 8th place and put them within three points of 3rd place in the championship.
Despite losing their last two away matches, Sunderland still boast the fifth-best record on the road, underscoring the threat they pose to Swansea this weekend. Consequently, the two sides currently occupy the 13th and 8th positions in the standings, with the home side trailing the visitors by four points.
TEAM NEWS:
Assuming there are no fitness concerns, Duff is likely to stick with the same starting lineup for Swansea as in the Blackburn game.
In that match, Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino replaced Jay Fulton and played a crucial role by providing the assist for the winning goal. Unfortunately, none of Swansea’s injured players are expected to make a return.
Sunderland, on the other hand, are also expected to make only a few changes after their comeback victory against Norwich.
The trio of Nazarii Rusyn, Luis Semedo, and Mason Burstow is vying for the opportunity to lead the frontline, with Rusyn potentially having done enough in the previous match to retain his place.
Alex Pritchard will likely remain on the bench, unless Mowbray decides to give Jobe Bellingham a rest.
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Ashby, Darling, Humphreys, Tymon; Grimes, Patino; Cullen, Paterson, Lowe; Yates
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Ballard, Huggins; Neil, Ekwah, Bellingham; Roberts, Rusyn, Clarke
MATCH FACTS:
Swansea City have scored 2 or more goals in 9 of their last 20 matches.
In 10 of the last 14 Sunderland matches this season, there have been Over 2.5 Goals.
Sunderland have scored 2 or more goals in 11 of their last 20 matches.
The most recent encounter between Swansea City and Sunderland ended with Swansea City winning 3-1 at Stadium of Light.
Overall, the last two games between the two teams have seen an average of 3.5 goals being scored, with Swansea City winning both matches.
Top Scorers & Assists
Top Scorers for Swansea City AFC are Jerry Yates (4), Jamal Lowe (3), Liam Cullen (2)
Top Assistors for Swansea City AFC are Charlie Patino (4), Jamie Paterson (3), Liam Cullen (2)
Top Scorers for Sunderland AFC are Jack Clarke (9), Daniel Neil (3), Abdoullah Ba (2)
Top Assistors for Sunderland AFC are Alex Pritchard (2), Daniel Neil (2), Abdoullah Ba (1)
officialperky 