Premier League: Liverpool v Swansea City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at Anfield

Samar Maguire
Friday 21 February 2014 09:11 EST
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Brendan Rodgers looks on from the sidelines
Brendan Rodgers looks on from the sidelines (GETTY IMAGES)

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Swansea will face the task of withstanding an in-form Liverpool side that have scored ten goals in their last two games at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds haven’t lost a league game on home turf since their 1-0 defeat against Southampton in September, and will be eager to seize victory in order to mount a Premier League title charge following their dramatic 3-2 away win against Fulham last Wednesday.

The triumph put Liverpool four points shy off top spot, as the dark horses of this season’s top-flight tussle continue to push leaders Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.

In their previous six encounters with the Reds, Swansea have won two and lost just one in all competitions, which is perhaps an auspice of good fortune for Garry Monk. The 34-year-old will want to prevent his side from contending in a relegation scrap by salvaging something in Merseyside, as they are only four points off the drop.

Monk replaced Michael Laudrup as Swansea boss earlier this month, and will confront Brendan Rodgers as a manager for the first time. The ex-Swans captain made 45 appearances under Rodgers during the Irishman’s two-season tenure in South Wales (excl. play-offs).

KICK OFF: Sunday 23rd February at 1:30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Swansea 2 – 2 Liverpool (Premier League, 16 Sept 2013)

Liverpool 5 – 0 Swansea (Premier League, 17 Feb 2013)

Swansea 0 – 0 Liverpool (Premier League, 25 Nov 2012)

STATS:

Brendan Rodgers was manager of Swansea City before moving to Liverpool in the summer of 2012. He won 43 of his 96 games as boss of the Welsh side.

Just 25 per cent of Swansea’s passes have been in the attacking third of the pitch this season; a lower proportion than any other side.

Swansea City (33 goals) have scored exactly half the amount of goals in the Premier League this season as Liverpool (66 goals).

Daniel Sturridge is the first Liverpool player to score in seven successive Premier League appearances.

Despite scoring eight Premier League goals this season, Wilfried Bony is yet to score one in England.

ODDS:

Liverpool to win: 1/4

Swansea to win: 10/1

Draw: 9/2

TV: Highlights on BBC 1’s Match of the Day 2 at 10:25pm

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