A rampant Arsenal side takes on the Swans at the Emirates on Saturday. Swansea has had a poor run of results and would have used the international break to get momentum on board with the appointment of new boss Bob Bradley. Arsenal goes into this fixture high on confidence with the side losing just one game so far this season.
In the last 5 meetings between the two sides both sides have had 2 wins each and 1 draw, so nothing much to separate the two sides.
Arsenal will be eager to keep their good run of results
Arsenal are undefeated in their last six games in the league and have got maximum points from their last five games. They lost their opener against Liverpool and drew their second fixture against Leicester; however, since then it’s all been upward for Arsenal. The Gunners narrowly beat Burnley which allowed Arsene Wenger to celebrate his 20 years at the club with his head held high. Swansea are on a poor run of results but with a new boss at the club, the Gunners need to be cautious.
What a moment this was…
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 13, 2016
And there's only ✌️ days to wait until we're back!#AFCvSCFC pic.twitter.com/FBxYpO0BDu
Arsenal Team News
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Francis Coquelin will return for the fixture against Swansea while Aaron Ramsey and Giroud are still recovering and will not be available for the weekend clash. Coquelin last featured in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory against Chelsea.
? “ @_OlivierGiroud_ and @aaronramsey won’t be back for Saturday but Francis will be available.”#AFCvSCFC pic.twitter.com/Imek1l7Gpe
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 13, 2016
With regards to Ozil, the German is fit and is expected to start the game against Swansea having featured for just a half while on international duty. Mertesacker and Welbeck are long-term absentees and it will be a while before they are back in action for the club.
Manager Quotes: Arsene Wenger
“Bob Bradley has a lot of experience. He’s not a beginner, he has traveled a lot and accumulated experience in the United States.” (Arsenal.com)
“You just told me that I have a lot of experience and because I have a lot of experience I’m very cautious. Last year we had a very negative experience with Swansea who killed our opportunity to win the Premier League. We have a good opportunity to show that we have learned from that and that we are capable of dealing with these kinds of opponents.” (Arsenal.com)
So what about these @HectorBellerin rumours then, boss?
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 13, 2016
? "I'm surprised by the speculation. His long-term future is here."#AFCvSCFC pic.twitter.com/DFnzdaftYL
Swansea hopeful their new boss brings good fortune to the club
Swansea City comes into this game facing three consecutive losses (5 in total) in the league, which sees them in 17th place with 4 points on the board. Swansea appointed Bob Bradley as their new boss following the defeat to Liverpool, the game against Arsenal will be his first game in charge and the Swans are hopeful that the new man can make an instant impact at the club.
New Swansea City boss Bob Bradley wants you to know he's not just an "American manager." pic.twitter.com/b2XLGYMDHf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 7, 2016
Swansea City Team News
Swansea pretty much have a fully fit side with Nathan Dyer still out with a long-term injury. Bob Bradley also expressed concern over Fernando Llorente and Jefferson Montero claiming both players weren’t back to complete training and are expected to miss the clash against Arsenal.
Fernando Llorente and Jefferson Montero set to miss #Swans trip to Arsenal. Not back in full training yet.
— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) October 13, 2016
Manager quotes: Bob Bradley
“I am aware Swansea have a good record at Arsenal, and I like that because we can go there with confidence.” (Swanseacity.net)
“To win there we will have to play well — all the details need to be right. Arsenal’s football speaks for itself. All of us know what they are all about as a team.” (Swanseacity.net)
Player to watch out for
Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott has been the surprise package this season providing the much-needed sparks up front with the absence of Giroud. He has scored on 3 occasions this season and expect more goals from the English international as they face the Swans this weekend.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Cazorla, Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi and Sanchez
Swansea (4-2-3-1): Fabianski,Rangel, Fernandez, Amat, Taylor, Cork, Fer, Barrow, Sigurdsson, Routledge and Baston
Match Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Swansea City
Arsenal will be expected to dominate Bob Bradley’s first game in charge of Swansea and with their current run of expect them to continue the good results. The Arsenal side are good going forward and provide the much-needed pace in the opponent’s half proving to decisive so far this season.
TV Guide
Watch the game live on Star Sports 4 at 7:30 PM on Saturday (15th October)
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