Premier League preview: Stoke v Swansea

Stoke City will hope to take out their Europa League frustrations on visiting Swansea City in the English Premier League on Sunday.

Stoke’s Europa League adventure finished this week with a 2-0 aggregate loss to Valencia but it could have been so much different if Kenwyne Jones had managed to put away three good chances in the first half of their second-leg clash on Thursday.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis will reckon the Trinidad and Tobago international is due a goal against Swansea after the 1-0 loss in Valencia.

Jones made poor contact with a header in the 15th minute before wasting a huge chance in the 19th minute when he ran onto Wilson Palacios’ through-ball but scuffed his shot, ensuring a relatively easy save for Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

Just two minutes after Jonas gave the home side the second-leg lead, Jones blasted a half-volley straight at Guaita but the gloveman kept the ball out to ensure the Stoke striker, and his side, remained goalless for the match.

Pulis and his men head back home on Sunday where they have not won in five matches across all competitions, including three consecutive defeats.

Stoke could make up to nine changes against Swansea, including key players Ryan Shawcross, Peter Crouch, Matthew Etherington and Jonathan Walters, who were left in England to prepare for Sunday’s game.

Swansea are unlikely to rest anybody for their trip to Stoke.

The Welsh club have not played since February 11, when they lost 3-2 to Norwich.

Midfielder Joe Allen will be back for the visitors after being left out against Norwich with a hamstring problem, while Kemy Agustien should also return from his ankle injury.

Swansea are currently in 11th spot with 30 points, nine points clear of the relegation positions but the Welsh club have declared this week that ensuring Premier League football for next season is still their number one priority, rather than moving up the table.

Stoke are also on 30 points but behind Swansea on goal difference.

Pulis’ side is in 13th position, one point ahead of West Bromwich Albion and two ahead of Aston Villa.