After a run of decent results, Swansea City are now winless in their last three games in all competitions, including their 2-0 loss at Old Trafford last weekend. They are stranded in the 15th place, four points off the drop zone and will look to pick up as many points as they can in the remainder of the season, to end the campaign on a high. They will start with their trip to Hawthorns this weekend.
The Baggies, who are stuck to the bottom of the points table, sacked Alan Pardew recently and will be under Darren Moore for the rest of the season. They have lost each of their last 8 games and are 10 points away from safety. They will have to find some form quickly and playing at home, will want to take something from this game. But Carlos Carvalhal’s side have proven hard to beat recently and will test the Baggies until the end. They will settle for nothing less than three points and here is the predicted lineup Carvalhal might field for this tie:
Team News:
The manager will still be without the services of Leroy Fer, Wilfried Bony and Jordan Ayew (suspended), all of who are long-term absentees. Sam Clucas is back in training and should make the matchday squad but Angel Rangel and Renato Sanches are still doubtful for this weekend.
Expected lineup (3-5-2):
Defence:
Lukasz Fabianski has been the first choice for Carvalhal and the gaffer will stick with him for this game as well. The manager has been able to use a settled back-3 recently and has no need to experiment with it against the Baggies.
Alfie Mawson and Mike van der Hoorn with start on either side of Gaston Fernandez, who is slowly cementing his place in the first team.
Midfield:
Swansea also have experience in their wing-back roles as Martin Olsson and Kyle Naughton have been effective at times this season. However, both players will have to find the consistency to ensure a strong finish.
Ki Sung-Yeung did not have a great game at Old Trafford but should keep his place in the no.6 role while Sam Clucas, who is back to full fitness and Andy King, who is also finding his feet late this season, will start on either side of Ki at the Hawthorns.
Attack:
Andre Ayew was also ineffective against United and will hope to have a better time against the Baggies. His partner Jordan Ayew is suspended, which could see Tammy Abraham partner Andre Ayew in the attack this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
