- Arsenal leads all-time 9W-3D-7L
- Swans swept 2014-15 series
- Swans 4W-1D-3L since promotion
Forget the table: History tells us Arsenal is the underdog against Swansea City at Liberty Stadium on Saturday (Watch live, 11 a.m. ET on USA and online via live Extra).
The Gunners have been out-foxed by Swans since the Welsh side returned the Premier League in 2011, and surprisingly have found more success on the road than at home.
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Swansea could use some luck; Their hot start was cooled off over a five-game stretch, leaving them to snap out of the skid with a come-from-behind win over woeful Aston Villa last weekend.
And no one’s hotter than Arsenal; The Gunners are winners of five-straight, including defeats of Everton and Manchester United. They are joint-top in the Premier League on points, a slot below Manchester City on goal differential.
It could be Costa Rican star Joel Campbell’s turn to shine for the Gunners, as Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out.
What they’re saying
Garry Monk on the test provided by Arsenal: “They have had a fantastic start to the season. They have an excellent squad full of world-class talent and they are definite title contenders. We’ve had some good games against them in recent years and had two good results against them last season.”
Arsene Wenger’s plans for his injury-depleted side: “It is always disappointing to lose players but we are equipped first of all with the quality of our squad and we are equipped mentally as well to deal with anything. My short-term option is [to play] Campbell or get one more defensive midfielder in like Flamini and put Cazorla on the flank. I haven’t decided yet. We will find solutions and I have to find the right one.
Prediction
Color us crazy, but the injuries and history have us leaning towards Swansea. Both sides can play a wide open game, and usually do against each other. Given the absences for Arsenal, this favors Swans. And if Arsene Wenger opts to go defensive, his side will be playing a more unusual batch of tactics. Swans, 2-1.