English Championship: Game Week 23
Stadium: Swansea.com Stadium
22nd December 2023
Swansea City will welcome Preston North End at Swansea.com Stadium in Game Week 22 of the English Championship. Swansea can move out of relegation talks with a win. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?
Receive Your Welcome Bonus!Swansea City form
Swansea were hoping to find a replacement for Michael Duff, but Alan Sheehan will continue to lead the team temporarily for this upcoming match. Sheehan has done well in his three matches in charge, earning four points from games against Rotherham United, Stoke City, and Middlesbrough. However, they suffered a defeat against Middlesbrough, losing the match 12 minutes before the end, despite initially equalizing. Swansea needs stability as they are only five points clear of the relegation zone, especially when some teams below them are showing improvement. To achieve that, Swansea must improve their home record as they have only won two out of 11 home fixtures in the 2023-24 second tier. Sheehan is considering bringing back Yannick Bolasie to the Swansea final third, possibly to replace Jamie Paterson. The decision will depend on whether Liam Walsh is used in a more advanced role than usual, and Charlie Patino will also likely return to the starting lineup. Swansea will likely retain the same formation from the Boro game due to Preston's tendency to use a back three.
Swansea City Predicted Lineup
Rushworth; Darling, Cabango, Humphreys; Key, Patino, Grimes, Tymon; Walsh, Bolasie, Lowe.
Preston North End form
Preston thought they were back on track after a three-game losing streak, earning four points from their last two matches. While both positive results came away from home, they were heavily defeated 5-1 by Watford in their last game at Deepdale. With an upcoming match against third-place Leeds United on Boxing Day, it is crucial for Preston to regain their momentum before entering a crucial period. Preston's manager, Lowe, is expected to make several changes to the lineup, with Duane Holmes and Robbie Brady pushing for a start. Andrew Hughes is also an option in defence, but Lowe will also consider Preston's impressive performances in the previous two fixtures.
Preston North End Predicted Lineup
Woodman; Storey, Hughes, Lindsay; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, Millar; Holmes; Osmajic, Keane.
Swansea City vs Preston North End Expert Tips
This game features two teams that are eager to secure three points more consistently. However, we anticipate a tense match that may end in a low-scoring draw. Expect under 2.5 goals in the game with both teams being on the scoresheet.