Swans v West Ham: The big talking points
Swansea City look to follow up their FA Cup triumph over Sheffield Wednesday with another victory when they host West Ham this weekend.
But the Hammers will have other ideas as they head to Wales for a big game for both sides.
Here are all the key talking points ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Big day for Andre
Andre Ayew is in line to feature against West Ham for the first time since moving back to Swansea from the London Stadium during the January transfer window.
Not only that, but Ayew could be in contention to make the first start of his second spell as a Swan having come on as a first-half substitute at Brighton last weekend.
That means it could be a significant afternoon for the Swans’ record signing on two counts, and Carlos Carvalhal will hope the experienced Ghanian will rise to the occasion.
Ayew has faced West Ham before in Swans colours, grabbing a goal in the 4-1 victory at Upton Park in May 2016. He also netted for West Ham against the Swans, of course.
Seven in a row?
The Swans made it six straight home wins in all competitions courtesy of the 2-0 success against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, which equals their best run of consecutive triumphs at the Liberty.
Now they go in search of victory No. 7 in succession. The last time they managed that many was in 2004-05, the club’s final season at Vetch Field.
Kenny Jackett’s team actually won eight in a row, beating Lincoln, Kidderminster, Rushden & Diamonds, Luton, Mansfield, Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers and Darlington in successive home games before Bury ended the run in November 2004.
Hammer horrors
The Swans enjoyed their final trip to Upton Park a couple of seasons back, but they have not had too much joy against West Ham in recent times.
The last three meetings have all ended in victories for the East Londoners, most recently courtesy of Diafra Sakho’s last-gasp goal in September.
And in 11 Premier League games between the clubs, the Swans have managed only two wins – the other was in the first encounter back in 2012 – compared to West Ham’s six, so perhaps the home side will feel they are due some success on Saturday.
Raring to go
Having exited the cup at Wigan in round four, West Ham have had a full week to prepare for their trip to SA1.
An advantage? Perhaps, although it could be argued that the Owls clash gave the Swans the chance to get their defeat at Brighton out of their system.
The Hammers also lost 4-1 last weekend, at Liverpool, having beaten Watford – their only win in six games in all competitions – in their previous fixture a fortnight earlier.
The Swans have been busy compared to David Moyes’s side, but Carvalhal is adamant Tuesday’s meeting with Wednesday will not take its toll tomorrow.
Another goal please Jordan!
Jordan Ayew was on target in the Swans’ midweek cup success, getting the ball rolling after coming off the bench.
The former Aston Villa man is enjoying his best spell since moving to the Liberty, and his team tend to do well whenever he finds the target.
In fact, the Swans have never lost a game in which the younger Ayew brother has scored.
So far he has found the target in 10 matches, eight of which have ended in Swans victories.
More of the same this weekend would do nicely.
