Swansea City have made their way to the Amex Stadium today to face Brighton & Hove Albion. The Swans are currently placed at the 16th spot in the league standings, having collected 27 points from 27 games.
In their quest to remain in the top tier, the upcoming fixture is certainly a massive one. Here is how we anticipate Carlos Carvalhal to roll out his starting XI against the Seagulls.
Team News
Alfie Mawson has returned to training following a knee injury along with Leon Britton but the latter is not expected to be available for selection. Angel Rangel, Renato Sanches, Leroy Fer and Wilfried Bony are still sidelined.
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski is expected to be deputized between the sticks once again. The former Arsenal shot-stopper has 8 clean sheets to his name from 27 Premier League appearances, having made 3.07 saves per game on an average, and he certainly needs to be at his best with the gloves this weekend.
Defence
Carvalhal is likely to continue with a five-man defensive wall comprising of Federico Fernandez, Mike van der Hoorn and Alfie Mawson being placed at the heart of the backline. Martin Olsson is set to be chalked at the left-back slot whereas Kyle Naughton is expected to be given the nod to start from the left-back slot.
Midfield
Ki Sung-Yeung found the back of the net in Swansea City’s last league fixture, which concluded in a 1-0 victory for the Wales-based outfit. The 29-year-old midfielder will need to shield the defensive line of his side and at the same time, he needs to venture forward and help his side out in the final third.
Alongside Ki, we expect to see Tom Carroll being placed in the middle of the park. Sam Clucas has been effective on the left flank recently and he is likely to be feature there and on the right-wing, it would make a lot of sense if Carvalhal goes with Nathan Dyer. Clucas and Dyer need to supply the crosses and link up with the striker.
Attack
Jordan Ayew is likely to be stationed up front. The 26-year-old has featured in every game for his side this season. In 27 appearances in the league, Ayew has scored 5 goals and has registered 2 assists and given the gravity of the upcoming fixture, a lot would rely on how he plies his trade considering he starts.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored & Squawka
