It hasn’t been the brightest of starts this season for Swansea, while Liverpool arrive at the Liberty Stadium hoping to keep their perfect start to the season, the only team in the Premier League with a flawless record, in tact.
Swansea lost their first to matches against Manhcester United and Tottenham in a brutal start to the season, which also means that their honeymoon period in the Premier League, which was about being a surprising side no one expected much from while delivering easy-on-the-eyes performances on the pitch, is probably over.
Swansea are in Europe this season, and are the League Cup holders. Finishing at around 10th, 9th or 8th is something that’s expected from them, and so far these expectations haven’t been too easy to live up to, although the away win against West Brom (2-0, goals from Ben Davies and Pablo Hernandez) might be what puts them on the right track once more.
The problem? Liverpool, who Swansea couldn’t beat last season in two league matches, drawing 0-0 in Wales before losing in Anfield 5-0, as Liverpool were enjoying the aftermath of the Sturridge and Coutinho arrivals. Laudrup doesn’t have too many injury problems, although Nathan Dyer is doubtful, and so is Jonjo Shelvey, who might miss the opportunity to play against his former club.
Liverpool haven’t really impressed in their three wins, all 1-0, all with goals from Daniel Sturridge. And yet for a club that’s been short on achievements and satisfying moments over the last few years, no one will complain about a perfect start while their best player, Luis Suarez, is still serving a suspension.
Just before the transfer window ended Liverpool made the defensive signings they should have a long time ago, bringing in Victor Moses (on loan), Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori to help their defensive cause. Rodgers is facing a problem with Glen Johnson out with an injury, which should mean Andre Wisdom will start at right back. Sakho is intended to start at some point, but maybe his first match shouldn’t be on a tough away match, while Ilori, who can also play right back, will definitely start on the bench.
Prediction – We haven’t something special from Liverpool so far this season, as teams close down on Coutinho and Iago Aspas has been mostly disappointing. However, Swansea do allow more freedom than others, which should give us a rather enjoyable encounter, which will end in a draw, with Michu finally scoring his first goal of the season.