Premier League preview and odds: Swansea City vs West Ham United

Published on: 24/12/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Swansea City vs West Ham United

December 26, 2016 15:00pm - Liberty Stadium

Referee: A. Marriner

Premier League

Survivalists Swansea City will look to break a two-game losing streak when they face revivalists West Ham United at the Liberty Stadium on Boxing Day.

Swansea searching for survival strategy

Despite their precarious position near the foot of the Premier League table, Swansea City have continued to be involved in fast-paced and open games of football. Whether their strategy of trying to play their way out of trouble will pay off, remains to be seen. However, Bob Bradley`s men are certainly providing value for money for the neutrals.

With just 12 points to their name, the Swans could do with another win to keep them in touch with safety. A reduction in their goal difference would also help their cause. They come into this game on the back of a 3-0 defeat away to Middlesbrough. On home soil, they have won their last two in a row, scoring eight goals in the process.

Meanwhile, West Ham United have not been playing particularly but have at least hauled themselves clear of immediate danger, and are up into 13th place in the table. The Hammers have lost just one of their last five matches and won their last two in a row by a 1-0 score-line.

Away from home, Slaven Bilic`s men have drawn their last two (at Manchester United and Liverpool) and have scored on all but one of their road trips this term.

In their last game, the Irons were more than a little fortunate to beat Hull City after their opponents dominated much of the game and struck the bar three times. In the end, it took a dubious penalty to separate the teams.

Team news

Federico Fernandez is the only confirmed absentee for the home side.

Meanwhile, the visitors will have to make do without the suspended Pedro Obiang and the injured group of Simone Zaza, James Collins, Diafra Sakho, Reece Oxford and Gokhan Tore, while Sam Byram remains a doubt.

Recent form (League):

Swansea City: LLWLW

West Ham United: WWDLD

Betting odds and tips

Seven of Swansea`s last eight games have produced more than 2.5 goals and five of those produced four or more. And while West Ham have not been scoring at such a high rate, the home side`s open style of play should provide them with more opportunities than they have been used to in recent weeks.

You can back Over 2.5 Goals at 4/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 24/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (24/12/2016 13:38:29) but are subject to change.