Swansea City vs Liverpool Preview

Swansea City vs Liverpool Preview

The Reds travel to south Wales to face Swansea in an attempt to close the gap to the top four to two points.

 

Brendan Rodgers will want a win against his former side to keep the pressure on Manchester United in fourth before their meeting next weekend.

 

Swansea meanwhile sit comfortably in ninth place and with no threat of relegation will want to push on and consolidate a good league position for the end of the season.

 

With Manchester United and Arsenal both winning this weekend the results have not gone Liverpool’s way and a win could be vital in their pursuit for the top four.

 

They will be confident however after taking 13 points from the last available 15 and will appreciate their much needed break after a limp performance in the F.A. cup 0 - 0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers.

 

Swansea meanwhile have had form just about as up and down as possible, winning two, losing two and drawing one of their last five games. They have struggled for goals at times after the departure of leading scorer Wilfred Bony however they do have an impressive win at home to Manchester United in that time.

 

While playing well Liverpool haven’t been that free scoring even with Daniel Sturridge’s return. They do however have a good defensive record and have won their last two away games.

 

In the reverse fixture at Anfield Liverpool came out comfortable winners in a four goals to one win. Adam Lallana was the pick of the players during that game scoring two goals on the day.

 

The big news for Liverpool this week has been the continued contract saga of Raheem Sterling. Apparently talks have stalled and with many teams watching closely Liverpool will hope to secure him down to a long term deal.

 

Sterling could be a key player for Liverpool against Swansea as he carries a threat for Liverpool’s attack being their joint top league scorer on six goals. He will probably start the game, also Steven Gerrard, the other player on six should return to the squad, either in the starting 11 or on the bench.

 

A criticism of Liverpool lately has been that the attackers have at times been slightly selfish in good positions, taking a shot when a pass would have been preferable. Too many missed opportunities will surely mean missing out on the Champions League.

 

Swansea are a very good side and will pose a challenge. However after a lengthy break but with their high confidence I do expect Liverpool to run out as winners.