Swansea v Stoke preview: Garry Monk's men chase first win in five
Monday 19 October 2015 21:03, UK
Swansea host Stoke on Monday Night Football as they look for a first win in five Premier League outings.
Garry Monk's men haven't tasted victory since the 2-1 win over Manchester United at the end of August, picking up just two points in their last four games and also crashing out of the Capital One Cup against Championship side Hull City.
Stoke, meanwhile, enjoyed a resurgence in form leading into the international break, beating Bournemouth and Aston Villa after failing to win their opening six Premier League fixtures.
The Potters have a poor record away to the Welsh side, though, not winning there in 22 years, and Swansea will be hoping to emulate the 2-0 scoreline they won by back in May.
Team news
Andre Ayew is expected to feature for the hosts, despite missing international duty with Ghana after suffering a blow to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Monk has no other injury concerns in his squad, while Kyle Naughton is back in contention after taking time off for the birth of his daughter.
Stoke have confirmed striker Mame Diouf will miss the game on compassionate grounds. The Senegalese international, who has scored three league goals this season, has been granted extended leave by the club following the death of his mother.
The Potters will also be missing Shay Given with a knee injury, but Marc Wilson is likely to be available and Xherdan Shaqiri is in contention to start. Manager Mark Hughes confirmed Ryan Shawcross is getting closer following a back injury but will not be considered.
Opta stats
Only 14 players have started for Swansea in the league this season; the fewest of all Premier League sides.
Stoke have only won one of their last 18 league visits to Swansea (D5 L12), keeping only two clean sheets in that run.
Bafetimbi Gomis has been caught offside 19 times this season; 11 more than any other Premier League player.
Stoke have not won consecutive Premier League away games since December 2011.
Ashley Williams has played more minutes than any other Premier League player since Swansea were promoted to the top-flight (13,750).
Ibrahim Afellay has the best pass completion rate of any player to make more than 100 passes for Stoke in PL history (92%).
Merson's prediction
Swansea disappoint me sometimes; they had Bafetimbi Gomis flying at the start of the season, as was Jefferson Montero before he got injured, but they've gone off the boil.
Stoke are playing well, and were very good at Villa a fortnight ago. I'm going 2-1 to the visitors with Marko Arnautovic, who scored a couple for Austria last week, to score. When someone is on a roll, you can't stop them. He's making runs off the ball now, when before his effort off the ball was questionable.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
Betting
Sky Bet have installed Swansea as 21/20 favourites as they bid to maintain their unbeaten home record against Stoke (14/5), with the draw available at 11/5. The Swans have scored exactly two goals in three of their four matches at the Liberty Stadium this season and are 5/2 to score exactly two goals in their MNF clash.
The Potters have scored in all but one of their away games this term with Swansea offering the same record at home. The hosts to win and both teams scoring is a 10/3 shot. Struggling for a bet? Check out tips from Sky Bet tipsters Jamie Redknapp, Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson.
