Verdict: Swansea win and both teams to score
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It’s the return of the Premier League this weekend as Swansea host Newcastle at the Liberty Stadium. Both sides will be looking to build on their first league win picked up before the international break.
Swansea
Having been installed as pre-season relegation candidates, Swansea have made a pretty decent start to the Premier League. A 2-0 away win last time out to Crystal Palace and a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s mean the Swans are on a respectable four points from three games. It had seemed bleak just a couple of weeks ago when star player Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente left the club but some surprising signings in the transfer window has raised belief that it could be a successful season for manager Paul Clement’s side. None of these recruits are more astonishing than the arrival of midfielder Renato Sanchez from Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old won a winner’s medal with Portugal at Euro 2016 and fans will be excited to see his presence in the middle of the park. Wilfried Bony returns to his former club and other incomings include Sam Clucas and Roque Mesa. Add these players to the bright talent of Tammy Abraham and the Swans have every reason to be optimistic.
Team News
New signings Bony and Sanchez are expected to be involved, while Jordan Ayew is fit after missing Ghana’s matches with a stomach problem.
Kyle Bartley, Nathan Dyer and Ki Sung-yueng remain out.
Newcastle
It’s been a frustrating summer for manager Rafa Benitez after admitting that he has failed to strengthen his squad significantly since Newcastle’s return to the top flight. Even though they have made a few decent signings, they still look a team that could struggle in the Premier League this season and have made an indifferent start to the campaign. Losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Huddersfield Town were followed by a 3-0 victory over West Ham, however the Hammers have looked abysmal so far this season and it may not be an indication as to where Benitez’s men are. If the Magpies are to be successful then they may have to hope of a positive influence from striker Joselu who scored on his debut. Newcastle seem drastically short up front and forgotten striker Dwight Gayle may be called upon again with Aleksandar Mitrovic starting his four-match ban for the elbow on Manuel Lanzini. It will be tough for Benitez’s men against a buoyant Swansea side, but the Spaniards comments regarding transfers may be muted a little if they record back-to-back wins on Sunday.
Team News
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey returns following a ban.
Meanwhile, defender Chancel Mbemba is out after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.
Key Factors to Consider
Only one of the last nine meetings has finished a draw
Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the last six games
Newcastle have not won any of their last 13 games in the Premier League
Swansea have won six of their last eight games against the Magpies
Newcastle haven’t beaten the Swans at the Liberty Stadium since April 2012
Conclusion
This is going to be a tight game but Swansea’s new signings will have the Liberty Stadium rocking and it looks like it could be away day misery for Newcastle yet again. We re going for both teams to score, but the Swans to come away with three points.
Verdict: Swansea win and both teams to score
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