Premier League: Stoke v Swansea match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Britannia Stadium

Michu celebrates scoring his first Premier League goal yesterday (Getty Images)

Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side have had trouble turning draws into wins this term, with four out of five games in the league ending in stalemate. Michael Owen is in line for his first start since joining Stoke as Pulis looks for a killer instinct in front of goal as his side have spurned chances galore in their last few games.

At the other end of the field, Stoke will be hoping to keep Swansea top scorer Michu quiet. The Spaniard has scored four goals in five league matches since signing from Rayo Vallecano and added to his tally with a League Cup goal against Crawley in midweek.

Swans boss Michael Laudrup is expected to bring Leon Britton back in from the cold after disappointing displays from new signings Pablo Hernandez and Ki Sung-Yong in the 3-0 loss to Everton last week.

KICK OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Stoke 2 (Upson, Crouch) Swansea 0, Premier League, February 2012

Swansea 2 (Sinclair, Graham) Stoke 0, Premier League, October 2011

Stoke 1 (O’Connor) Swansea 2 (Price, O’Leary), Division 2, March 2001

STATS...

Stoke have not won in their last 11 Premier League outings, losing away to Chelsea last weekend after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in their most recent home fixture

After scoring 10 goals in their first three league games, Swansea have failed to find the net in their last two outings

ODDS...

Stoke to win: 1.83

Swansea to win: 4.33

Draw: 3.52

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.10pm