Football – England – Premier League
Saturday 29th November 2014 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Swansea City begin a two-match run at their Liberty Stadium this Saturday when they entertain Crystal Palace followed with a clash against bottom club QPR next Tuesday night.
These are certainly two matches that Swansea will have their sights set on taking the maximum three points in, and if they achieve this they look set to retain a position in the top six. Manager Garry Monk has continued the good work and the solid foundations that had previously been set down by former managers Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup as The Swans have consolidated their position in England’s top flight despite being the only non-English club currently in the division.
Swansea lost at Manchester City last weekend but despite the media’s increasing focus on Manchester City’s shortfalls, they still occupy this place in the Premiership and are tough to beat. Previously though, Swansea had registered wins over strugglers Leicester City as well as a solid win over Arsenal, both at the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea’s home record stands at 4-1-1 10/4 and they’ve kept three clean sheets to date.
Visitors Crystal Palace halted a run of five Premiership matches without a win when they once again spoiled Liverpool’s night in a sensational 3-1 win at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The Eagles came from a goal behind to heap further misery and pressure onto Reds manager Brendan Rodgers whose side now sit three points adrift of a mid-table position.
But back to Crystal Palace and their away record stands at 1-2-3 9/12 and they’re without an away win now for three matches although they have won at Everton and drawn at Newcastle united and West Brom.
Most of Crystal Palace’s successes though have been at Selhurst Park, and they’ve registered just four away wins from their last 16 on their travels.
I believe Swansea have enough firepower at their disposal particularly with striker Wilfried Bony up front to take the points here, so I’ll back the hosts for perhaps a 2-1 win.
Pick: Swansea City straight win @ 1.80 Coral
