Premier League: Swansea v Aston Villa match preview

A look ahead to this week's Premier League fixture at the Liberty Stadium

Christian Benteke (GETTY IMAGES)

Swansea head into 2013 placed comfortably in mid-table, behind ninth-placed Liverpool – and former manager Brendan Rodgers – only on goal difference. New boss Michael Laudrup, despite a relatively modest budget, has adapted well to the pressures of managing in the Premier League.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, are in crisis. In Paul Lambert, they boast a manager with great potential, as well as promising young players such as Christian Benteke and Joe Bennett. However, the league's weakest defence, statistically, sees them teeter dangerous above the relegation zone.

With Villa hoping to break a run of three losses, in which they have conceded a staggering 15 times, and Swansea back to winning ways after four defeats, this could be a fascinating clash of two opposing fortunes.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Aston Villa 2 (Lowton, Benteke) Swansea 0, Premier League, September 2012

Aston Villa 0 Swansea 2 (Dyer, Routledge), Premier League, January 2012

Swansea 0 Aston Villa 0, Premier League, November 2011

STATS...

Swansea are the only Premier League team not to have scored or conceded a spot kick so far this season.

Aston Villa have the league's worst goal difference (-21), having conceded 15 goals in their past three games – against Wigan, Tottenham and Chelsea – without scoring.

Swansea's win over Fulham on Saturday was the first time they have scored in a game, but striker Michu has not, since a 1-1 draw with Southampton in November.

In 2012, Aston Villa equalled their record number of Premier League losses (18) in a calendar year, and won just six games.

ODDS...

Swansea to win: 1.83

Aston Villa to win: 4.9

Draw: 3.6

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm