Premier League: Newcastle United v Swansea City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St James’ Park.

Demba Ba of Newcastle United (Getty Images)

Newcastle United face the prospect of slipping outside of the top 10 if they lose consecutive games, when Swansea visit on Saturday.

Alan Pardew's men have struggled to replicate last season's form, which saw them finish fifth - just five points shy of a Uefa Champions League place.

After their disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham, Newcastle occupy 10th spot through 11 games.

Swansea, on the other hand, are on track to better their 11th placing last term as the Welsh outfit have tasted defeat just once in five league games and are one point adrift of Newcastle.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Swansea 0 Newcastle 2 (Cisse 2), Premier League, April 2012

Newcastle 0 Swansea 0, Premier League, December 2011

Swansea 1 (Cotterill) Newcastle 1 (Carroll), Premier League, February 2010

STATS

Newcastle are 11 points worse off this season than they were at the same stage last season.

Swansea haven’t beaten Newcastle in 32 years, their last win over the Magpies coming in December 1980.

All three of Newcastle’s league victories this season have come at home.

ODDS

Newcastle to win: 1.85

Swansea to win: 3.80

Draw: 3.40

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm