Preview: Swans v West Ham
Swansea City will look to climb back out of the Premier League relegation zone when they take on West Ham this afternoon (3pm).
The Swans had lifted themselves clear of the bottom three after losing only once in Carlos Carvalhal’s first seven top-flight games in charge.
But defeat at Brighton last weekend – their first in 11 matches in all competitions – saw the Swans drop back below the survival line.
Having got the Seagulls setback out of their system by beating Sheffield Wednesday to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in midweek, the Swans now refocus on their primary target this spring – staying in the Premier League.
Their home form is excellent, with Carvalhal’s men winning their last six Liberty Stadium fixtures.
They have not managed seven successive victories on their own patch since 2004-05 – the Swans’ final season at Vetch Field.
If they are to change that record today, the Swans must overcome opponents who have won the last three encounters between these clubs.
West Ham do not arrive in great form, however, having won only one of their last six games in all competitions.
David Moyes’s side are currently five places – but only three points – above the Swans in the table.
Team news
The Swans welcome back Andy King and former Hammer Andre Ayew after they were unavailable in the FA Cup.
Leon Britton will hope to make Carvalhal’s 18 having played for the first time in more than four months in midweek, but Angel Rangel, Renato Sanches, Leroy Fer and Wilfried Bony remain out.
West Ham are set to be without Pedro Obiang, Edimilson Fernandes and Andy Carroll, while left-back Arthur Masuaku is suspended.
But the influential Manuel Lanzini returned to action last week after a spell on the sidelines.
What they said
Carlos Carvalhal: “We respect West Ham a lot, both individually and as a team, but we will fight and try our best to beat them.”
West Ham defender James Collins: “We’re going to have to go to Swansea and then host Burnley and pick up our points from those games. We cannot dwell on what happened at Liverpool (where the Hammers lost 4-1 last weekend).”
Hammers boss David Moyes: "Swansea have improved and they have gained confidence. They had some incredible results against Arsenal and Liverpool, picking up unexpected points. We're in for a difficult game."
Last six meetings
30.9.17 West Ham 1 Swans 0
8.4.17 West Ham 1 Swans 0
26.12.16 Swans 1 West Ham 4
7.5.16 West Ham 1 Swans 4
20.12.15 Swans 0 West Ham 0
10.1.15 Swans 1 West Ham 1
Pre-match stats
2 – Andre Ayew has scored two goals in the last four games between the Swans and West Ham, with one coming for each club.
6 – The Swans have won their last six home games in all competitions, their best run since their final season at the Vetch.
