Swansea will square up against Blackpool in the EFL Championship on Saturday. The two sides are separated by a margin of two points in the league. Can Swansea bounce back from their previous loss and move over Blackpool?
Swansea were thrashed 0-4 by league leaders Bournemouth before the international break. Two goals each from Dominic Solanke and Jaidon Anthony ensured that their side earn a comfortable victory. As a result, Swansea are 12th in league table with six wins, five draws and six losses in 17 games. Manager Russell Martin stated after the defeat at Bournemouth that his side still needs to learn a lot. Despite that, The Swans are enjoying a decent run at home, having lost just one match during this campaign. They have conceded just four goals this season at home, indicating Swansea’s solidity at home turf. Defender Ryan Bennett is suspended for the match against Blackpool. Ben Cabango could make a return after missing out on the previous four matches. In addition, Obafemi will also be in contention for the upcoming match.
In the previous away match against Bournemouth, Swansea struggled to produce anything as the home side were dominant and more threatening in both the halves. The xG timeline follows a similar suit with Bournemouth coming out on top in both halves and Swansea having little to show for.
Swansea have been highly successful in their passing this season. They are placed at the top in terms of successful passes and are averaging more than 451 passes per match.
Blackpool have been impressive in their recent five games in the Championship, picking up 10 points. However, only three teams in the league have picked up more points in away fixtures this season than Blackpool. They head into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against QPR. Chris Willock opened the scoring for QPR although Gary Medine equalized in the 53rd minute via a penalty. Blackpool remain in contention for the play-off spot and are separated from the sixth-placed team by a margin of three points. Richard Keogh, Shayne Lavery, and Chris Maxwell are all side-lined for this fixture but have joined the training. Garbutt is also set to miss out on the next few matches. Dujon Sterling might be in contention for the upcoming match.
Blackpool had a higher xG than their opponents’ in the previous game. They were dominant in terms of the majority of the attacking metrics. Garry Madine had the highest xG in the match. Ryan Wintle and Gary Madine both took two shots each. In addition, Wintle made the highest number of recoveries in the opponent half and delivered the joint-highest number of passes into the final third.
Blackpool are placed at a respectable 11th position, both in terms of successful defensive duels and average successful defensive duels, indicating that they have been fairly successful in their defensive duels.
Predicted Eleven
Swansea (3-4-2-1) Hamer; Cabango, Naughton, Manning; Laird, Grimes, Smith, Bidwell; Ntcham, Paterson; Piroe.
Blackpool (4-4-2) Grimshaw; Lawrence-Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Husband, James; Bowler, Wintle, Dougall, Anderson; Madine, Yates.
Prediction
Swansea have a decent record at home turf, although Blackpool will give them a tough test. A draw is a likely scenario for this one.
