Arsenal vs. Swansea City preview, English Premier League
Arsenal have had a terrible start to the season, securing just one point from their opening three games. In their last fixture, the Gunners stumbled to a shameful 8-2 loss to the English Premier League champions Manchester United, which stressed the need
for reinforcements in their ranks.
After an unexpected, but much needed spending spree in the deadline day of the summer transfer window, Arsenal have welcomed a host of experienced players to the Emirates Stadium. They will undoubtedly be more confident as they host newly promoted side Swansea
City on Saturday.
Unlike Arsenal, Swansea City have had a somewhat decent start to the Premier League season. While their season opened with a 4-0 loss to Manchester City, they drew their next two games against Wigan Athletic and Sunderland, putting them ahead of Arsenal
on the Premier League table.
Swansea City manager Brendan Rogers revealed that he felt it was too early in the season to determine what would happen at the end of the campaign. He admitted that he still considered the Gunners a threat and expected them to come back stronger for their
home game against Swansea.
Rogers said in an interview:
“I’m sure Arsenal are motivated to do well and this was always a tough game for us. But we are looking forward to the challenge as our performance levels have been very good in our first three games.”
Wayne Routledge, the 26-year-old Swansea City winger, had similar thoughts to his manager. He revealed that since being promoted to the English Premier League he had realized that it was much more competitive than the Championship had been.
However, it was for this very reason that he was confident Arsenal would try and recover from their previous loss. He was also confident that his side would present them with a decent challenge, having done fairly well in their start to the season.
Routledge said while speaking to reporters:
“You always have to be on your game and play to the best of your ability. We need to play our game and we'll play our game on Saturday.”
Team news
Arsenal
After the loss to Manchester United, Wenger can be expected to make changes to his defence, which did not prove to be too effective against the Red Devils. New signing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Per-Mertesacker-c29680 could make his debut for the Gunners alongside Laurent Koscielny in central
defence.
While Bacary Sagna missed out on the loss to Manchester United because of an illness, but is expected to be available for selection on Saturday. Another new arrival, Andre Santos, can also get a start at left-back against Swansea City.
Having served his suspension, Emmanuel Frimpong will return in midfield, possibly joined by Mikel Arteta. Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin will act as providers for striker and new http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380.
Swansea City
Rogers is expected to present a similar starting squad as against Sunderland when his side face Arsenal. Unfortunately for the Swansea City manager, he will be without his deadline day signings; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rafik-Halliche-c30429.
They have not yet received international clearing from FIFA, because of which they cannot field the two players. Rogers revealed he was not entirely sure of when he would be able to play his new signings and admitted to being surprised at the fact that the
process had taken this long.
Rogers said:
“Everything I hear from the club is that it should go through. It’s no ideal and I’m a little bit surprised it has taken this long, but hopefully we will get it done.”
Swansea City skipper Gary Monk is out with a foot injury, while http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Tate will be sidelined with a long-term injury, having broken his leg in a golf buggy crash. Striker Craig Beattie will also be absent for Saturday’s clash, he has a nagging ankle injury.
Possible line-ups
Arsenal
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrei-Arshavin-c5771; Robin van Persie.
Swansea City
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Graham.
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