Preview: Swans v Tottenham Hotspur
Swansea City will be looking to begin 2018 on a high when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Liberty this evening (7.45pm).
The Swans are aiming to record their first victory over Spurs in the Premier League, having drawn three and lost 10 of the 13 previous encounters.
However, they did emerge from the most recent contest with a hard-earned 0-0 draw earlier this season, and Carlos Carvalhal will be urging his players to draw on inspiration from that performance.
The Swans were closing to victory over Spurs in last season’s clash at the Liberty as they led until the 88th minute, when the visitors scored three quickfire goals to snatch a 3-1 win.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men arrive in SA1 off the back of netting eight times in their last two games, with six of those coming from the in-form Harry Kane.
After back-to-back hat-tricks, the England striker took his Premier League tally for the season to 18 goals and he carries Spurs’ greatest threat this evening.
But the Swans are in upbeat mood after their pulsating late victory over Watford at the weekend.
Team news
The Swans have concerns over Tammy Abraham after he was forced off early at Watford, although Carvalhal is hopeful that the striker will be fit.
Wilfried Bony and Ki Sung-Yueng are edging closer to comebacks, but Leon Britton definitely misses out with a calf problem.
Kyle Naughton also misses out through suspension, meaning a possible start at right-back for Angel Rangel.
Spurs have a worry over Harry Kane, who has been ill, but Victor Wanyama is back in training.
Centre-back Toby Alderweireld is a definite absentee.
What they said
Jordan Ayew: “Tottenham is a big game for us. We have to keep running and fighting and playing the Swansea way.”
Luciano Narsingh: “Watford was a very important win for us. I hope it will give us a boost as a team.”
Last six meetings
16.09.17 Spurs 0 Swans 0
05.04.17 Swans 1 Spurs 3
03.12.16 Spurs 5 Swans 0
28.02.16 Spurs 2 Swans 1
04.10.15 Swans 2 Spurs 2
04.03.15 Spurs 3 Swans 2
Pre-match stats
3 – The best the Swans have managed in 13 previous Premier League meetings with Spurs is three draws, the most recent of which came at Wembley in September.
6 – Christian Eriksen has scored six goals in the last seven meetings between the sides.
