In the absence of Chico's Matchday thread here is one that can be merged with the other if he does it . . . . all you need to know before the big kick-off The Swans play their first home game of the new season with West Ham the visitors to the Liberty Stadium. Michael Laudrupâs men go their second campaign in the top-flight off to a flyer last weekend as they romped to a 5-0 win against QPR. Summer signing Michu helped himself to a brace as he introduced himself to English football, while Nathan Dyer also grabbed a double in West London. The Swansâ other scorer, Scott Sinclair, continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City but Laudrup confirmed on Thursday that the winger would be involved against the Hammers. West Ham returned to the Premier League after a one-year absence by beating Blackpool in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. It marked a good 12 months for boss Sam Allardyce, who took over from Avram Grant following the clubâs relegation in 2011. And the Hammers got their season off to a good start last weekend with a 1-0 home win against Aston Villa. New signing Ki Sung-Yeung didnât complete his move in time to feature against the Hammers, while Chico Flores is set to face a late fitness test. For the visitors, club-record signing Matt Jarvis goes straight into the squad while Allardyce is without injured Wales international Jack Collison. Head-to-head Swansea and West Ham haven't met in the league since April 1983 when the Hammers won 5-1 away. However, the last time that the two sides met was back in January 1999 in the third round of the FA Cup. After a 1-1 draw at Upton Park, the Swans recorded a memorable win in the replay at the Vetch as they dumped out a side three divisions above them thanks to Martin Thomas's goal. Swansea stats ⢠Swansea's 5-0 win over QPR was their biggest ever in the top flight of English football ⢠Swansea have lost just one of their last six Premier League games (W3 D2 L1) ⢠Michu was the top scoring midfielder in La Liga last season, netting four more goals than any other midfield player (15) ⢠Swansea scored five goals from just six shots on target against QPR West Ham stats ⢠West Ham have won five and lost none of the last six league meetings with the Swans ⢠The Hammers have kept just one clean sheet in their last 27 Premier League away games ⢠West Ham have won none of their last six away games in the top flight, losing the last four in a row ⢠West Ham picked up more points away from home than any other team in the Championship last season (45) 32Red odds: Swans 10-9 West Ham 11-4 Draw 12-5
We can a forgive Ash today after what's happened. Hope your ok Ash. Good effort at such short notice Valley.
anyway off to the game, and a couple of jars before the game. have a good one, my prediction is 2-0 the swans
nice one valley. been waiting for this one. watching the game at a friends house who is a west ham fan so my prediction will be swans 2 west ham 1 and me thrown out for gloating. ps hope everything works out for ash.
Time to keep the momentum going with the " less " harder teams at the start of our schedule & I think we'll do exactly that today . 6 points , first place & jackash finding some info on his accident & I'll call it a great day . 2 - 1 Swans
Poor Ash. Understandable he's not done the thread and well done Valley. I'm going 3-0 Swans. Yes, I'm still carried away after last week. Graham, Michu, Dyer.
quick question please chaps. will michu start pretty much every week injuries permitting? behind the striker?
Just listened to the usually terrific ESPN commentary pair talk about Rodgers as our "savior" blah blah . Ok, stopped throwing things around the room, tv still intact. Here we go Up the Swans. No Sinclair on the team sheet - Johnson gone from City, perhaps he's on his way. Ben Davies on the bench - great for him - no Jazz. Jacks are in great voice.
Top of the Premier League... again. And we should stay there this time. Wonder what group we'll be in in next season's Champions League.
