Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 13/14
Bookmaker: 888sport
Top-four hopefuls Arsenal travel to rock-bottom Swansea looking to notch the third win on the trot but face a testing challenge against an improving side. Carlos Carvalhal has done a great job at the beginning of his stint at the Liberty Stadium and will be looking for another big-name scalp following the Liverpool beating.
Swansea
With only 20 points from 24 Premier league rounds, Swansea are at the very rock bottom of the English top flight. The Swans have endured a difficult campaign to date but things have started to show clear signs of improvement under the guidance of new boss Carlos Carvalhal.
The 52-year-old much travelled Spanish tactician took over from Paul Clement back in December and led his team to only one defeat in seven games in charge. Swansea are a long way from Premier League safety but still have every chance of surviving the cut. Their chances have been given a significant boost last time around when Swansea managed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool. Carvalhal masterminded a huge victory which was achieved thanks to a highly-defensive approach which could once again be deployed against Arsenal. Swansea are high on confidence and will be keen to take another big-name scalp when they meet Arsenal. The Swans have caused quite a lot of trouble to Arsenal, historically speaking and will have to be taken quite seriously despite their unfavourable standings.
Team News
Renato Sanches and Angel Rangel have both been sidelined and are likely to miss the forthcoming clash.
Jordan Ayew is expected to continue up front following his good run of form of late.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger’s men are in need of three points to keep their top-four hopes alive in the Premier League. the Gunners are currently sixth in the standings, three points adrift of the fourth-placed Tottenham and five behind Liverpool in fourth.
The North London club have lost a huge asset this January with Alexis Sanchez moving to Manchester United, although Wenger did well to bring a direct replacement in Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenia international could be handed his Arsenal debut at the Liberty Stadium and it will be quite interesting to see if he’d be able to make an instant impression following his below-par season thus far at Manchester United. Arsenal will be coming into the Tuesday clash in high spirits following their hard-fought 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea which put Gunners into the final of the competition. Arsenal will fight Manchester City towards the end of February for their first trophy of the season. Unlikely hero Nacho Monreal has been in superb form for Arsenal lately and will once again be the one to watch at the Liberty Stadium.
Team News
Henrikh Mkhitaryan appears set for his Arsenal debut following the switch from Manchester United.
Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck are both unavailable through injury, whereas Santi Cazorla remains a long-term absentee.
Key Factors to Consider
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to make his Arsenal debut
- Last five matches between Swansea and Arsenal produced 18 goals
- Jordan Ayew scored two goals in last 3 matches for the Swans
- Swanse are unbeaten in last five matches across all competitions
- Arsenal have yet to register an away win in last four outings
Conclusion
Swansea might still very much be the worst-placed team in the league but their form is on the uptrend and Arsenal better take them extremely seriously. Carlos Carvalhal deserves plenty of praise for his great work at the club who are unbeaten in last five matches. Games between these two sides tend to be openly-contested affairs but we are not sure that will be the case this time around.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 13/14
Bookmaker: 888sport
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