In the latest Championship clash, Swansea City are set to host Portsmouth on Saturday, as we take a look at what we can expect from this crucial encounter. The Swans aim to maintain the momentum from their recent victory over Derby County as they face a Portsmouth side keen to return to form after a frustrating spell.
Currently in 11th position, Swansea have a record of six wins, four draws and seven defeats during their 17 matches this Championship campaign. They started November on a high note, securing back-to-back wins against Oxford United and Watford, but the joy was short-lived as they suffered two heartbreaking defeats against Burnley and Leeds, both decided in time additional.
Read more:
Lampard Confronts England Promotion Puzzle at Coventry
Wednesday’s match against Derby saw a resilient Swansea bounce back, with goals from Zan Vipotnik and Ronald securing a 2-1 victory at Pride Park. However, the Swans have struggled at home, picking up just one win in their last five games at Swansea.com Stadium, with two draws and two defeats. A critical factor for a positive result on Saturday will be scoring first, as the hosts have failed to win any of the six league games where they have conceded the first goal this season.
Portsmouth, for their part, have had a week to forget, with their last two matches against Blackburn Rovers and Millwall falling victim to the elements and a power outage. Despite having two games in hand on their relegation rivals, they find themselves bottom of the table, four points from safety. The last time Pompey took to the pitch, they achieved a 3-1 victory, with standout performances from Josh Murphy, Conor Ogilvie and Colby Bishop.
Heading to Swansea, Pompey will be looking to recreate the success they last enjoyed in South Wales in November 2010, where they won 2-1.
Forme de Swansea City : LWWLLW
Portsmouth form: WLLDLW
Team information:
For Swansea, coach Luke Williams will have to deal without Ollie Cooper and Andy Fisher, while Josh Ginnelly continues his rehabilitation after a long injury. Eom Ji-sung and Sam Parker are both on the road to recovery, but their availability remains uncertain ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Williams is likely to retain the same XI that triumphed against Derby, provided no further injuries arise. On the other hand, Pompey’s injury problems deprive them of defenders Jordan Williams, Ibane Bowat and Conor Shaughnessy. Forward Kusini Yengi is under evaluation due to a knee problem that occurred during international duty.
Bishop was set to play a starting role in the postponed game against Millwall, so is expected in Saturday’s starting XI at Swansea.
Planned lineups:
Swansea City : Vigrouroux ; Naughton, Cabango, Darling, Tymon ; Franco, Grimes ; Ronald, Cullen, Peart-Harris ; Vipotnik
Portsmouth : Schmid ; Devlin, Poole, Pack, Ogilvie ; Potts, Dozzell ; Ritchie, Lang, Murphy ; Bishop
Our Prediction: Swansea City 2-1 Portsmouth
While Portsmouth will be eager to return to the arena after their recent struggles, we anticipate they could struggle against a Swansea side keen to capitalize on their new momentum. Expect a hard-fought match, with the hosts taking a one-goal lead.
For an in-depth analysis including potential outcomes and score predictions, click here.
For more previews delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to Sports Mole’s daily email featuring analysis and predictions for every big game!
