Swansea City travel to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday tea-time as Carlos Carvalhal’s side hope to spoil the party at the Etihad.
We bring you all the team news, manager quotes, pre-match stats and highlights video ahead of Sunday’s 4:30pm kick-off.
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Swansea City Team News
Carvalhal told the press on Thursday that Sam Clucas is back in training but says that he will review his progress before deciding on whether to include him in the matchday squad.
Luciano Narsingh is definitely out after suffering an ankle injury during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Everton.
Renato Sanches is back in Swansea but he’s also unavailable due to a lack of match fitness.
There was no mention of Mike van der Hoorn after he picked up a shoulder problem at West Brom, but he was on the bench against Everton, so I’m assuming he could be back in the starting eleven as Carvalhal will surely revert back to a 5-4-1 against the Champions.
Manchester City Team News
Sergio Aguero is out for the rest of the season after minor knee surgery, Fernandinho is suspended and John Stones is doubtful due to a groin problem.
Other injuries:
Benjamin Mendy (knee) is a long-term injury and is building up match fitness so he’s still unavailable.
Manager Pep Guardiola is unlikely to make many changes, possibly introducing one or two younger players to the bench, but the challenge of seeking a record points total (95 to beat) will surely mean that they’ll be going all out again for the victory, despite the title being won already with five games to spare.
What The Managers Are Saying
Swansea boss, Carlos Carvalhal
“We played very well against Everton. The performance was at the same level as when we beat Arsenal and West Ham.
“We were well organised offensively and defensively and we played with big character.
“This kind of performance makes me feel positive about the future.
“If we continue to play like that for the rest of the season, we will win more points.”
Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola
“In the past when I won the league early, the next few games were not good. But a good argument to keep going is the records. The important thing is to win the title but maybe the records can help us be focused against the teams fighting to avoid relegation.
“I didn’t come here to change English football. I am happy with the way we try and play and winning the titles. Thank you for your congratulations. If the people enjoy watching us – especially our fans and people who love football – that’s the best.”
Manchester City’s Last Match Line-Up
Spurs 1-3 Manchester City
League Positions and Recent Form
| R | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 33 | 28 | 3 | 2 | 93 | 25 | +68 | 87 | WWWWLW |
| 17 | Swansea | 33 | 8 | 9 | 16 | 27 | 46 | -19 | 33 | LWDLDD |
Swansea Line-Up Prediction
Fabianski,
Naughton, van der Hoorn, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson,
A. Ayew, King, Clucas, Carroll
J. Ayew.
Pre-Match Stats
Premier League record vs Manchester City (Home and Away)
- Manchester City have won all but 2 of their home games this season, their recent 3-2 loss to rivals Manchester United, and a draw against Everton
- Manchester City have lost their last 3 home games in all competitions
- Gabriel Jesus, who scored a brace in this fixture last season (see below), has been involved in 22 goals in 23 starts, 16 goals and 6 assists. He is still yet to experience a Premier League defeat when starting a game.
- The Swans have lost just 3 in their last 13 games, winning 5 of them.
- Swansea City are still looking for their first away win against a top 6 side, they’ve only scored once away at a top 6 side
- In games when Jordan Ayew has scored, Swansea are unbeaten, winning 5 and drawing 8
- Kyle Naughton is likely to make his 100th appearance for the Swans against Manchester City
Last Outing
Manchester City 2-1 Swansea City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70GsIF2R1e8
Match Officials
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: Stuart Burt, Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth official: Paul Tierney
Prediction
We’re playing the Champions at home, a Manchester City side that are looking to break the record for being the first ever Premier League club to get 100+ points in a season. In their final 5 games, they need to win 4 and draw the other to achieve that. Pep might make changes, but they’ll still be very strong, and I can’t see us getting anything other that quite a heavy beating.
Manchester City 3-0 Swansea City
