Swansea City are riding off seven points in their last 3 games and looking to increase that mark against the Eagles of Crystal Palace. In their last match on December 28th, the teams drew at Selhurst Park.
Formation
The Swans faced West Bromwich Albion with a 4-1-2-1-2 in the last match, with Leon Britton and Jack Cork operating as defensive midfielders and Ki Sung-Yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson as the attacking midfield options. With the arrival of Leroy Fer on loan and the positive play between Sigurdsson and new boy Alberto Paloschi, there could be some changes to this week’s starting XI.
The defence
Lukasz Fabianski - The “Pole in our Goal” has been excellent in recent weeks and was in prime form before Salomon Rondon scored the late equalizer off a mess of a corner kick in extra time. Fabianski has started every league match for the Swans, and expect that streak shouldn't end on Saturday.
Kyle Naughton - Despite Angel Rangel getting last Tuesday’s start against WBA, Naughton will get the start to counter the speed of Yannick Bolasie on the wing. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur man hasn’t been able to solidify himself into the starting XI this season and has found himself in rotation with Rangel. If the Swans go a goal down early, expect Rangel to make his way on to help bolster the attack from the wing.
Fede Fernandez - The centre back pairing of Fernandez and Wales skipper Ashley Williams has been among the most potent combination all season, across the whole Premier League. The tall Argentinian played exceptionally against WBA and will look to continue his strong play. The ex-Napoli centre-half has turned into the teams’ best signing of last year.
Ashley Williams - The heart and soul of the back line, the captain continues to impress at the Liberty. His ability to play smart and operate from the back has been a key in keeping Swansea afloat this year. If this year grows more successful campaign for the club, Williams could be looking at a rightfully deserved year-end Premier League XI spot.
Neil Taylor - The Welsh left back, who struggled early in the year, has turned his form around and should continue starting on that left side for the rest of the campaign. His speed along the left flank is critical against Crystal Palace, as they’ve been suspect defending crosses all year.
Midfield shake up
Jack Cork - The ex-Southampton man has been excellent for Swansea since arriving last January and should continue to play strong in the midfield. While Cork lacks the attacking prowess expected as a traditional midfielder, his ability to slow down play and mark up the opponents’ number 10 or attacking midfielder was on full display against West Brom.
Leon Britton - This would be Ki Sung-Yueng’s spot in the starting XI, but he suffered a concussion on a head blow with Stephane Sessegnon. Britton, like Cork, offers little to no offensive power but is a rock in defense. The man with 501 Swansea appearances under his belt will command the midfield from the back, a roll he’s adjusted to brilliantly. With retirement surely on his mind in the next few years, many hope Leon stays around the club for years to come as a coach.
Jefferson Montero - Ki’s injury should force Swansea into playing with two wingers, the first on the left being Montero. The Ecuadorian has been out of the lineup with injuries, but can still change the game with his pace and ball control. Everyone remembers his tearing apart of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in the first match of the year. Hopefully that Montero will make an appearance this week.
Andre Ayew - The great Ayew-at-striker experiment should hopefully be coming to an end because Ayew is many times better playing on the wing. Not to dog on his time at striker, but he looks much more comfortable playing with the ball at his feet and running into space from behind rather than being the focal point up top. Maybe a move back to right midfield will bring out the creative play from the Ghana international.
Gylfi Sigurdsson - Coming off a top performance against West Brom, the Icelandic international will keep his nose pointed towards goal. However, in this game Sigurdsson will want to work in new boy Paloschi, getting the Italian some looks on goal and building chemistry between the two. Sigurdsson will start at his normal 10 role in whatever system Swansea decide to run with.
New Option up Top
Alberto Paloschi - The new Italian striker looked great as an injury sub for Ki and deserves his first start for the Swans against Crystal Palace. Paloschi appeared quick and had a good run on goal, hitting the post on a wonky shot from inside the box. He appears to be an instant upgrade over fading striker Bafetimbi Gomis and will look to score in his first start as a Swan.