Swans v Bournemouth: The big talking points

Swansea City look to end a difficult run of results when they take on Bournemouth at the Liberty this weekend.

But Paul Clement’s men know nothing will come easy against opponents who arrive in fine form.

Here are all the key talking points heading into the game.

Stomach for the fight

Clement has been in bullish mood this week, speaking of his determination to turn his team’s form around after a difficult run of results.

The Swans are struggling for form, but Clement’s feeling is that one victory could lead to a succession of good results.

Could the much-needed win come against Bournemouth?

To make it happen, the Swans must show the sort of willingness to scrap their manager has talked about in the lead-up to the game.

Cherry blossom

Bournemouth’s recent turnaround in fortunes offers hope to the Swans.

Around a month ago, Eddie Howe’s team were struggling having managed only one victory in their first eight league games in 2017-18.

However, the Cherries have won three of their last four top-flight outings – with away victories at Stoke and Newcastle before last weekend’s 4-0 home thumping of Huddersfield – to climb to 13th in the table, and arrive in Wales full of confidence.

Home improvements

The Jack Army have not had much to shout about at the Liberty so far this season, but Clement and his players are desperate to change all that this weekend.

In six home league games so far, there have been five defeats and a solitary victory, over Huddersfield Town last month.

That form has been in stark contrast to the second half of last season, when Clement’s side took 19 points from their final eight home games.

The Swans have been okay on their travels so far this season, but it is clear they must do better on their own patch.

Bournemouth blues

It is about time the Swans got a result against Bournemouth.

After all, in four Premier League meetings between these two clubs, the Swans have taken just one point.

That came in their first encounter at this level, when Garry Monk’s Swans fought back from 2-0 down at home to draw 2-2.

Monk was playing the last time the Swans beat the Cherries, which was in a League One fixture 10 years ago.

In the Bournemouth side that day were the likes of Darren Anderton, Adam Lallana and Sam Vokes.

System switch?

Clement tweaked his team’s shape at Burnley last weekend, when Renato Sanches started on the left flank while Jordan Ayew was central alongside Tammy Abraham.

Will he go with a similar set-up this weekend, or will there be another reshuffle?

As well as systems, Clement has to decide on personnel.

Wilfried Bony is pushing for a start, while the likes of Ki Sung-Yueng, Tom Carroll and new player-assistant coach Leon Britton will also hope for opportunities.

Keeper kings

The two busiest keepers in the top flight are set to go head to head in SA1.

Lukasz Fabianski has made 46 saves in the Premier League, while Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic is second in that list on 41.

The Swans must try to ensure that Begovic is the busier stopper this weekend.