Preview: Newcastle v Swans
Swansea City will look to maintain momentum under Carlos Carvalhal when they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park this afternoon (3pm).
The Swans have made a bright start to life under their new boss, with a thrilling win at Watford followed by a battling effort against Spurs when Carvalhal’s side were unlucky not to get something.
Next came a gritty goalless draw against Wolves in the Emirates FA Cup, and the Swans will look to build on that effort with a strong performance against the Magpies this afternoon.
Newcastle go into the game off the back of a 3-1 win over League Two leaders Luton Town in the cup last Saturday.
The Swans suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Tyneside club when they met at the Liberty in September after a Jamaal Lascelles header gave Rafa Benitez’ side the three points.
Newcastle have taken seven points from their last four league matches after picking up only one point out of a possible 27 before that.
Team news
Leroy Fer is available for selection after the Swans won their appeal against the red card he was shown in last weekend’s FA Cup fixture against Wolves.
Ki Sung-Yueng and Leon Britton are also in contention after recovering from calf injuries, while the Swans are waiting on Renato Sanches and Tammy Abraham.
Angel Rangel will miss out after picking up a calf injury against Tottenham earlier this month while Kyle Naughton is suspended.
Jesus Gamez will miss out for the hosts, whilst Aleksander Mitrovic, Florian Lejeune and Rob Elliot are also fitness concerns.
What they said
Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey: “Swansea are not going to come up here and sit back. They’ll come here to have a go. I think that’s what Swansea do and that’s what the manager does.”
Swans manager Carlos Carvalhal: “We will do our best and you can be sure we will fight for the three points. We are not going there to draw, we go there to try to win.”
Last six meetings
10. 09. 17 Swans 0 Newcastle 1
16. 04. 16 Newcastle 3 Swans 0
15. 08. 15 Swans 2 Newcastle 0
25. 04. 15 Newcastle 2 Swans 3
04. 10. 14 Swans 2 Newcastle 2
19. 04. 14 Newcastle 1 Swans 2
Pre-match stats
1984 – Newcastle have not done the league double over the Swans since the 1983-84 season.
3 – The Swans have won on three of their five Premier League visits to St James’ Park, drawing one and losing just one. At no away ground have they won more in the competition, although they also have three win at the Emirates, Selhurst Park, Villa Park and Craven Cottage.
