Arsenal v Swans: The big talking points
Swansea City look to bounce back from home losses against Leicester City and Manchester United when they go to Arsenal this weekend.
The Swans can expect a tough test against Arsene Wenger’s team, but they have had a number of successes in the past at the Emirates Stadium.
Here are all the key talking points heading into the game.
Spiking the Gunners
Of all the clubs to visit Arsenal in the Premier League since their move to the Emirates, only Chelsea have won more games (four) there than the Swans (three).
The Swans’ record in the red corner of North London is remarkable given the relative stature of the two clubs – plus the fact that they have only been in the top flight for six years.
Michu inspired the first win at Arsenal back in 2012, then came a late winner from Bafetimbi Gomis in 2015 before Wayne Routledge and Ashley Williams were on target in a 2016 triumph.
Another success would be cherished this weekend – but Arsenal will have other ideas.
They have not lost at home as yet this season.
Another century for Arsene
The Swans’ visit to Arsenal will be the 800th Premier League game of Arsene Wenger’s reign.
Only Sir Alex Ferguson (810) has taken charge of more Premier League fixtures.
The Swans have had seven managers – including Alan Curtis – since they were promoted to the top division six years ago.
Between them, they have taken charge of just 321 Premier League matches.
For Clement, this will be No. 29.
London’s calling – again
The English capital has been like a second home for the Swans in the early stages of 2017-18.
Clement’s side have already been to Crystal Palace, Tottenham and West Ham – and they have come back with a healthy four points.
Their two travelling Carabao Cup triumphs – at Milton Keynes and Reading – were not far from London either.
Let’s hope for another positive trip down the M4 this weekend.
Hit the road, Jacks
Those losses against Leicester and Manchester United mean the Swans’ home record so far this season does not make pretty reading.
In six Liberty fixtures, there has been just one home win.
So perhaps Clement’s players will relish heading off on their travels, for they have done well on the road so far this season.
In six away fixtures in league and cup, the one defeat to date came at West Ham – and that was courtesy of a last-minute winner.
The Swans have been tough to break down when away from the Liberty this season, and resilience will be required once more to stop Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez et al.
Injury issues
Swans boss Clement has fitness troubles to deal with as he picks his side to take on Arsenal.
Renato Sanches (thigh) and Wilfried Bony (hamstring) are out, while Martin Olsson is unlikely to make it because of a hamstring problem picked up in midweek.
All three would be involved, and possibly starting, were they fit.
Arsenal are set to be without Shkodran Mustafi, David Ospina, Danny Welbeck and Santi Cazorla, but Wenger has plenty of options.
