Preview: Swans v Brighton

4th November
First team

Swansea City go in search of their second home win of the season when they face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon (3pm).

This will be the first meeting of the two sides since a 3-0 win for the Swans in the first round of the League Cup at the Liberty in 2009 and the first top-flight meeting between the teams since March 1983.

Brighton sit in 12th position in the Premier League table after picking up 12 points since gaining promotion from the Championship last season.

The Swans want a victory as they look to edge away from the relegation zone. They currently sit 17th, just one place above the drop zone on goal difference.

Paul Clement’s side will be aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday, whilst Brighton will look to build on a 1-1 draw against Southampton last time out.

 

Team news

Wilfried Bony is 50-50 to feature after hamstring trouble, while Renato Sanches, Martin Olsson and Angel Rangel have been making progress but will not be involved against the Seagulls.

Skipper Leon Britton had seemed set for a return to the squad for today’s clash but he has also been ruled out after going down with illness this week. Kyle Bartley remains on the sidelines.

Brighton have no injury issues apart from midfielder Steve Sidwell, who is recovering from back surgery.

 

What they said

Swans boss Paul Clement: “There’s no better place to start improving our record than this Saturday against Brighton. It’s a very important game because we are at home and we’re playing against a team who we should be competing with.”

Brighton manager Chris Hughton: “We have to keep fighting for every result. At the moment there’s a good feel in the team and club, but the only way that remains is by getting good results.”

 

Last six meetings

11.8.09 Swans 3-0 Brighton

3.5.08 Brighton 0-1 Swans

8.1.08 Swans 1-0 Brighton

29.9.07 Swans 0-0 Brighton

21.4.07 Swans 2-1 Brighton

5.12.06 Brighton 3-2 Swans

 

Last six league matches

Swans: DLLWLL

Brighton: LWLDWD

 

Pre-match stats

71 – Tammy Abraham has been directly involved in 71% of the Swans’ seven Premier League goals this season – the highest ratio of any player in the league.

2 – Brighton will be looking to record back-to-back away victories in the top flight for only the second time, the last time they did this was in April 1981 when they won at Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

 

You can follow live updates from the Liberty Stadium via our free commentary, which is hosted on our Match Centre on this website from around 1pm.