By Ben Bonsey
The Game
AFC Bournemouth sit on eight points after 12 games in their first ever season in the Premier League heading into Saturday’s fixture against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Cherries go into the game having conceded 14 goals in their last five games and only scoring two, not claiming a point in any of their fixtures.
Swansea also find themselves in a rut having only won one of their last 6 games, away to bottom of the league Aston Villa. With more and more speculation over Gary Monk’s future, this becomes a crucial game for the Swans as Monks time seems to being coming to a close.
The History
Swansea v Bournemouth is a regular fixture within the football leagues, having been played 51 times in all competitions. The clubs last met in League One when The Cherries, led by Howe, managed to beat a then Roberto Martinez Swans side 2-1 away at the Liberty Stadium. The first game between the two clubs was in 1923 when Swansea walked out as 1-0 winners at home.
Prediction
Swansea 1 – 0 Bournemouth
Both teams are having turbulent periods in their season. In my opinion I think it will be a tough game for Bournemouth. Away at the Liberty is a difficult place to go, even with the Swans dip in form. With Bournemouth consistently leaking goals and a list of key injuries, I see Swansea walking away with all three points. Glenn Murray has looked a threat at times, but with not much support he is struggling to create chances.
Also conceding 14 goals in five games is not a boost of confidence to an already stripped Cherries back line with Cook still being side-lined through injury. Swansea have not looked like the same club that where guided to their highest ever Premier League points tally and finish last season. Although they have not showed the form of previous seasons, to me they still pose an attacking threat through creative players such as Ayew and Sigurdsson with a real goal threat through Gomis.
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