After picking up 2 points from two games this February, Swansea City will be looking to grab the 3 points this weekend when they welcome in-form Southampton to the Liberty Stadium.
The Saints have been in tremendous form recently, winning four out of their last five league games, including a victory at Old Trafford. The last time these two teams met was back in September where the Saints cruised to a 3-1 victory over Garry Monk’s men.
Swansea’s fortunes have changed since the appointment of Francesco Guidolin. The former Udinese boss has picked up 5 points from his first three games in charge and not lost any games since taking over from Garry Monk. The Swans currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just four points above the relegation zone, while Southampton sit comfortably in 7th position on 37 points.
Swansea’s Leading Scorer: Andre Ayew (8)
Southampton’s Leading Scorer: Graziano Pelle (6)
Gylfi Sigurdsson- Swansea’s Icelandic midfielder has scored seven league goals this season in which 2 of those have come in his last two games for Swansea. Since Guidolin’s appointment Sigurdsson’s form has certaintly reached a higher level. Sigurdsson also scored the only goal of the game at St Mary’s in the 3-1 defeat in September. Sigurdsson excels in dead-ball situations, he scored Swansea’s goal against Crystal Palace last weekend from a free-kick.
Modou Barrow- Although not a certain starter in the team Barrow’s performances off the bench this season have come to many Swansea fans attention, particularly in his last outing against Crystal Palace. The young Gabon forward has electric pace which can cause problems for any defence. If Barrow is to be left on the substitute’s bench, he could be a good option to bring on later in the game especially if the opposition are tiring.
Fraser Forster- Having just recovered from a serious knee injury, Forster has been thrown straight back into the starting eleven. He has made five appearances this season and kept five clean sheets. His most impressive performance came against Arsenal where the big goalkeeper was forced upon to make save after save to keep an impressive Arsenal side out.
Saido Mane- Although he has not hit the heights of last year, Mane is always a constant threat to any team that Southampton come up against due to his incredible pace but even though Mane is not the tallest of players, he is a very strong player. Mane has scored 3 league goals this season aswell as 6 assists for his side. Mane can be especially dangerous on the counter attack using his pace to help create chances for Pelle/Long or Charlie Austin.