Prediction: Swansea vs Notts County

Verdict: Swansea to Win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmakers: Bet 365

A reinvigorated Swansea side host League Two side Notts County for their FA Cup fourth round replay at the Liberty Stadium. The first tie finished 1-1 at Meadow Lane, and the Swans will be hoping that they can use their home field advantage to brush County away. The Magpies meanwhile will be dreaming of an upset, and anything is possible in the cup.

Swansea

The Swans had a difficult first half of the season, winning just three times in their first 20 Premier League games, and becoming accustomed to life at the foot of the table. Their inability to score was incredibly hindering, and the fact that they have netted just 19 goals in 26 games is testament to their struggles going forward. A 5-0 defeat to Liverpool and 0-4 home dismantlings by both Manchester clubs also exemplified their leaky defence, which has allowed 37 goals. Unsurprisingly Paul Clement was sacked by the end of December, and the hiring of Carlos Carvalhal has turned out to be an inspired one.

The Portuguese coach has had an impressive impact since taking over, and Swansea have lost just once during his nine games in charge across all competitions. During that time they have scored 11 goals, suggesting that their attacking issues are on the mend, and they have also registered wins over Arsenal and Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium. At the time of their last clash with Notts County the Swans were still finding their way into good form, and now they should be able to continue their hot streak and ease past the League Two side.

Team News

The Swans suffered a double injury blow last week as both Leroy Fer and Wilfried Bony were ruled out for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere Renato Sanches is also out with a hamstring problem, while Andre Ayew’s own hamstring issue makes him a doubt for this clash.

Notts County 

The Magpies have done incredibly well to get this far in the FA Cup, and forcing a televised replay against a Premier League side is a real scalp for the League Two club. On their way to this point they have beaten Bristol Rovers, Oxford City and Brentford, as well as registering their 1-1 draw against Swansea at Meadow Lane. During their cup run Notts County have scored nine goals, which has forced teams to them respect them as an impressive attacking force. Their success has been most notably linked to veteran striker Jon Stead, who has scored in every round so far, and was the man who cancelled out the Swans’ opener in their first leg clash.

In the league Notts County have also been experiencing a good deal of success, and they currently sit third in the League One table, one point behind second place Wycombe. Their recent form however has been slightly inconsistent, with a win, a draw and two losses in their last four league games. The Magpies’ latest result was an emphatic 4-1 win over Crewe, which should give them at least some confidence heading into their clash with Swansea, but defeats to Exeter and Crawley are perhaps cause for concern.

Team News

Magpies goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons is suspended for three games and will thus miss this one.

Mason Bennett, on loan from Derby, could make his full debut for his new club in this game.

Key Factors to Consider

• Swansea have won their last three home games in all competitions.
• The Swans have also not lost in their last seven games in all competitions.
• Notts County have only won one of their last five games in all competitions.
• The Magpies also registered two defeats in that same five game patch.
• Swansea have beaten both Liverpool and Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium during their last four games.

Conclusion

Last time these two teams met it ended in a tough 1-1 draw, but Swansea have since been revitalised under Carlos Carvalhal, finding their feet against Premier League sides of all sizes, and have avoided defeat in their last seven games. The Magpies put up a tough fight last time out, but they should fall to the Swans on their home turf.

Verdict: Swansea to Win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmakers: Bet 365