Swansea City vs Bournemouth preview: Garry Monk in need of three points against struggling Cherries

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

Swansea City midfielder Andre Ayew (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

GLENN MURRAY: With two goals in five outings for the newly promoted side, the former Crystal Palace striker leads the line for struggling Bournemouth as they still adjust to playing without their main man Callum Smith.

More of a target man, Murray fails to stretch the defence as the pacey Smith does. Creating chances haven’t been a problem for the Cherries, its converting them. At 32 years of age, Murray will have to start producing the goods if his side are to survive the drop come the end of the season.

Key stats…

• Bournemouth’s last League win came on September 19th
• Swansea have won one game in their last nine games in all competitions
• The Swans have only scored in 50% of their league games this season
• Bournemouth have scored 67% of their goals in the opening 30 minutes of games, the highest proportion in the top flight
• The Cherries have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 5 away matches in the Premier League
• Swansea have had the fewest different goalscorers of any team in the Premier League this season (three)

Remember when…

These two sides last met ahead of the 2014/15 season. It was a sign of things to come for Eddie Howe’s men as they ran out comfortable 3-1 winners and a memorable campaign followed as they gained promotion to the Premier League.

Player to watch…

ANDRE AYEW: The Ghanaian international has made a bright start to his Swansea career and has adjusted to the English game seamlessly. With five goals and an assist in his first ten matches, the former African Footballer of the Year has proved to be one of the signings of the summer. Skilful, tenacious and blessed with great technique, Swansea will be looking to the 25 year old to help get them out of the crisis they are in at the moment.

Past three meetings…

Bournemouth 3 (Pugh 2, Pitman) Swansea City 1 (Montero)
Pre-season friendly, August 2014

Swansea City 1 (Robinson) Bournemouth 2 (Partington, Kuffour)
Football League One, April 2008

Bournemouth 1 (Bradbury) Swansea City 4 (Bodde, Lawrence, Feeney 2)
Football League One, October 2007

Form guide…

Swansea City: LLWLDL

Bournemouth: LLLLLD

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 15.00pm, Saturday 21 November

TV: Highlights available Saturday night on BBC 1 at 22.20pm