Coming off victories in the third round of FA Cup play, Arsenal and Swansea continue their premier league campaigns this Sunday at the Liberty Stadium. In their first meeting this season, it was a Michael Vorm error that gifted Arsenal their first victory of the season.
Arsenal will look to improve their away form as they have only collected 13 points from a possible 30. That is 8 less than they had collected from their away travels at this point last season. The task does not get any easier as they face a Swansea side whose home form is a big reason why they sit 12th in the table, 7 points above relegation. In their 10 matches at home so far, Swansea have recorded 6 clean sheets, having only conceded a total of 4 goals.
Arsenal Team News
Francis Coquelin picked up a hamstring injury in Monday’s win over Leeds. He becomes the latest player to be added to Arsenal’s growing defensive woes. His injury likely means Miquel will get the start at left back. Arsene Wenger has spoken about possibly bringing a defender on loan and with Coquelin’s injury that may be sooner rather than later.
Swansea Team News
There are new injuries to report for Swansea but there is good news about defender Alan Tate. Tate played 45 minutes for the clubs reserves team against Hereford in his first action since breaking his leg back four months ago. The Swans have also agreed in principle to bring in 18 year-old Josh McEachrun on loan from Chelsea but the move has yet been made official.
Key Players
Arsenal: The obvious is Robin Van Persie who should be very fresh and relaxed after being rested last week. But the other to keep an eye is Andrey Arshavin. With Gervinho away with the Ivory Coast, these next matches may be his last chances to recover his past form.
Swansea: Michael Vorm and Swansea’s back four did a solid job containing the Arsenal attack in their meeting this season and so they will need to be at their best to keep that impressive home form.
Overseeing this match is Michael Oliver who was the referee in Arsenal’s surprise home defeat to West Bromwich Albion last season.
Possible Starting XI
Arsenal: Szczesny, Miquel,Koscielny, Mertesacker, Squillaci, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie
Swansea: Vorm, Williams, Monk, Rangel, Taylor, Britton, Agustien, Gower, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer
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