Preview: Swansea City vs. Stoke City

With qualification into the knockout rounds of the Europa League phase almost secured, Swansea City return to domestic matters when they take on Stoke City on Sunday.

While the Swans have been strong in Europe, they have had an inconsistent period in the Premier League, suffering three defeats from their last six encounters.

One of these came in last weekend's South Wales derby which was decided by a single goal from Cardiff City's Steven Caulker, leaving Michael Laudrup's Swansea side 13th in the table.

Mark Hughes's Stoke have not managed to clinch a victory in their last seven games, with their latest result being a 1-1 draw against Southampton, which included a goal from Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The previous four meetings between the two clubs have gone the way of the home side on each occasion, with the Swans nabbing a 3-1 victory over Stoke at the Liberty Stadium last season.

Swansea are expected to be without star forward Michu, while Peter Crouch could keep his place up front for the visitors.

Recent form

Swansea City: WLLWDL

Stoke City: LLLDLD

Possible starting lineups

Swansea City: Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Chico Flores, Taylor; Britton, Shelvey, De Guzman, Routledge, Dyer; Bony

Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Nzonzi, Ireland, Whelan, Arnautovic; Crouch

Sports Mole says: 1-0