Premier League: Swansea City v Manchester City match preview

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

Joleon Lescott and Kevin Nolan battle for possession (Reuters)

Capital One Cup winners Swansea welcome Manchester City to the Liberty Stadium this weekend. Michael Laudrup’s men are enduring a torrid run of form that has seen them pick up just two points from their last six games. A win over last season’s champions would represent a long overdue post-Wembley hangover cure for the Swans, who look to better last season’s 11th place finish and end their inspired season on a high.

Following City’s win over West Ham last week, first-team coach David Platt stressed the importance of City developing into a club that is "expected to win football matches regardless of whether there’s anything on the game". However, with the FA Cup final only a week away, players such as Joleon Lescott would argue that these games are a chance to play themselves into Mancini’s starting line-up for one of English football’s showpiece games.

With both teams having demonstrated quality this season, it would not be amiss to presume this a mouth-watering clash. However, with the points less than vital for both clubs, it remains to be seen whether the players will play free from the shackles of responsibility or fall flat with little to play for.

KICK-OFF:Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Man City 1 (Tevez) Swansea 0, Premier League, October 2012

Swansea 1 (Moore) Man City 0, Premier League, March 2012

Man City 4 (Dzeko, Aguero 2, Silva) Swansea 0, Premier League, August 2011

STATS…

Michu has scored 17 of Swansea’s 43 league goals this season (39 per cent)

City have three players in double figures for league goals (Dzeko 12, Tevez 11, Aguero 11), only Arsenal can claim the same.

The Citizens have won 4 of their last 5 games (WWWLW) while Swansea are winless (LLDDL).

Man City have won away to Swansea twice in six attempts dating back to 1950.

ODDS…

Swansea to win: 5.5

Man City to win: 1.72

Draw: 3.4

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.