Swansea City play host to Hull City on Saturday afternoon looking to move outside of the relegation places in the Championship standings.
As well as being within three points of mid-table, the home side are only two points adrift of Hull, who are on a three-match losing streak.
Match preview
© Reuters
When Russell Martin arrived at Swansea, there was a feeling that he was the perfect fit for the Welsh club, and there have been occasions when he has justified his appointment.
However, Swansea have won just two of their last 15 Championship fixtures, both by 1-0 scorelines, and the period before the World Cup could prove pivotal for Martin.
To his credit, Swansea have improved in recent games, collecting four points from Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers before succumbing to a last-gasp defeat at home to leaders Sheffield United.
Nevertheless, the Swans are the second-lowest goalscorers in the division and have only netted more than once in a game on one occasion in 11 outings.
In the last five matches, only Joel Piroe has got on the scoresheet, further indication of Swansea's reliance on the highly-rated Dutch forward.
© Reuters
Hull are equally reliant on Oscar Estupinan, who has contributed seven of the club's 11 goals in the second tier since his arrival in the summer.
However, those strikes have dried up in recent games, the Tigers conceding eight times in defeats to Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Stoke City.
Shota Arveladze was the chosen man when the new owners took charge at the start of 2022, but the Georgian legend has now suffered 14 defeats in 29 matches.
For a team with growing ambition, that is clearly not good enough, and Arveladze needs a positive response from his players in their final fixture before the international break.
- D
- L
- L
- D
- W
- L
- D
- L
- W
- L
- L
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Despite the defeat to Sheffield United, Martin is unlikely to tinker with his defence or midfield for this contest.
However, there could be changes in the final third with Olivier Ntcham and Jamie Paterson both in contention for recalls behind Piroe.
On the back of his disappointment at missing out on a transfer to Burnley, Michael Obafemi is unlikely to return to the starting lineup at this stage.
Having had more time to train with the Hull squad in recent days, Chelsea loan duo Xavier Simons and Harvey Vale could feature among the replacements.
Fellow new arrival Dimitris Pelkas may also remain in reserve for the time being, while Cyrus Christie could get a second start of the campaign at right wing-back.
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Benda; Wood, Naughton, Cabango; Sorinola, Allen, Grimes, Manning; Paterson, Ntcham; Piroe
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Ingram; Jones, Figueiredo, Greaves; Christie, Seri, Slater, Elder; Tufan; Smith, Estupinan
We say: Swansea City 1-1 Hull City
Given the amount of goals that Hull are conceding, it is difficult to back them with any great certainty. On the flip side, Swansea are struggling at the other end, and it could lead to a draw being played out in South Wales.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
