The football weekend concludes with the Monday Night Football as Stoke host Swansea in the Premier League at the Britannia Stadium and while it is still relatively early in the season this does have the feel of an important game for both sides about it.
Stoke City
Back to back wins and no defeat in four matches have seen Stoke climb off the bottom of the table to just outside the relegation zone but they won’t be settling for that, they will be looking to go much further up the table. A win here would move them up to 12th and such is the tightness of this table below the top six they might not stop there either.
The key to Stoke’s revival has been their defence. After shipping plenty of goals early on in the season they have tightened up significantly in the last four matches, conceding just two goals in those games and if they can stay tight at the back you always fancy they have a goal in them as evidenced by them scoring in five straight games.
Swansea City
Swansea have changed their coach and this will be Bob Bradley’s third game in charge but his side are now without a win in nine matches in the Premier League and that is a run that needs to end soon before they get cut too far adrift of the safety zone.
There have been signs of improvement in Swansea under Bradley but I think he needs a win soon too as there are a lot of people questioning the appointment and doubting his credentials. I think that is harsh but the longer the side goes without a win the more those noises will increase.
Team News
Stoke have a couple of issues defensively heading into this match with Geoff Cameron a doubt with the injury he picked up last week while Phil Bardsley may miss out due to a personal issue.
Swansea could have Jefferson Montero back after he has resumed training having recovered from injury. Fernando Llorente should be ready for a place in the starting line up too.
Betting
I get why Stoke are the favourites in this match and their recent upturn in form is very much a positive but we should remember they have only beaten Sunderland and a Hull side who have slumped so I would need to see them win against a better opponent than that before I trust them. That said I’m in no rush to side with Swansea either given their own struggles.
I fancy this might be a tight battle. I don’t think either side are going to want to lose to the extent that they will risk losing for a chance to win. Both sides look to be focusing on keeping things tight at the back before taking what they get at the other end. Stoke’s last four have all gone under 2.5 goals while Swansea come in here off the back of a 0-0 draw. I think under 2.5 goals is likely here.
Tips
Back Under 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Skybet
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