Swansea v Tottenham: Premier League match preview

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

Saturday 18 January 2014 14:22 GMT

Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood gestures from the sidelines during his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham will be looking to continue their revival under Tim Sherwood in a bid to be amongst the top-four positions by the end of the season, while Swansea need to overturn a run of seven Premier League games without victory to avoid a relegation battle.

Despite a setback in the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, Sherwood remains unbeaten in the league, winning four of his five games, including a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

When these two sides met at the beginning of the season it was a cagey affair, which became a common feature of Tottenham games with Andre Villas-Boas in charge. Expect a considerably more open game due to Sherwood’s preference to play 4-4-2, with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor as his front pair.

Swansea will enjoy the majority of the ball as a result of Sherwood’s formation selection, coupled with the fact that they boast the best possession statistics in the division. They will continue to play their three in midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey given license to support Wilfried Bony in attack.

The Swans will need to start picking up points soon, as it will become even harder once their Europa League campaign re-launches in February. They will have to draw on inspiration from their FA Cup win at Old Trafford, as they have not tasted victory in the league since early December.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Tottenham 1 (Soldado) Swansea 0, Premier League, August 2013

Swansea 1 (Michu) Tottenham 2 (Vertonghen, Bale), Premier League, March 2013

Tottenham 1 (Vertonghen) Swansea 0, Premier League, December 2012

STATS:

Tottenham are on a four match winning streak against Swansea

Swansea have not beaten Tottenham in the league since 1982

The Swans have the highest average possession statistics in the Premier League- 59.7%

ODDS:

Swansea to win: 3.20

Tottenham to win: 2.38

Draw: 3.20

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm, Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

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1/18Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Javier Hernandez - Spurs desperately need goals and who better than a proven Premier League goalscorer looking for somewhere he could be a first team regular. Seems a perfect match on paper but questions remain whether United would sell.

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Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Paul-Georges Ntep - Not just a Tottenham target, the Auxerre youngster reportedly has admirers all over Europe, with Arsenal said to be particularly keen. Tottenham would surely love nothing more than pinching the striker from their north London rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Fabian Schar - The Swiss defender is a reported target of several other big Premier League clubs. Can Spurs swoop first and reinforce their defence with the Basel centre-back?

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Alexander Pato - Has hardly been that impressive since returning to Brazil after an injury plagued time in Milan but the forward is still reportedly on Tottenham's radar. They may face competition from Arsenal though if reports are to be believed.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Andrea Ranocchia - Seemingly January's most sought after player with several Premier League clubs chasing him, the towering centre-back would be a great buy for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Kevin Volland - Hamburg's young winger is another name linked with several clubs this January, Tottenham appear well stocked in that position so a move seems slightly unlikely.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Domenico Criscito - Spurs are short of real talent at left back and certainly could do a lot worse than moving for the Italian international.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Christian Benteke - Has not been at his best this season but with better players around him he might improve. Could be the goalscorer that Spurs need but would not be cheap you expect.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Fabio Coentrao - With Tottenham needing a left back and Coentrao seemingly on the move this seems like a perfect move. Seems dependent on the Portuguese international not getting a better offer though. Real seem stubborn to sell though.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Alen Halilovic - The man dubbed the new Luka Modric was reportedly very close to a summer move to White Hart Lane that fell through at the last minute. Spurs could have another go at signing him this January.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Dimitar Berbatov - Seems an unlikely move, but stranger things have happened. The former Spurs man looks set to leave Fulham but would like to stay in England. Could he be coming home to Spurs?

Dimitar Berbatov

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Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Giuseppe Rossi - After a long injury lay off, the Italian forward is back and could be just the goalscorer Spurs need. Has unfinished business in England after beginning his career at Man United.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Mirko Vucinic - The Juventus man has been mooted as a possible loan signing for Spurs as they look to find someone to score some goals for them.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Miralem Pjanic - Pjanic on the streets of London? The rumour is that could soon be the case with Spurs said to be interested in signing Roma's in form midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Ezequiel Lavezzi - Devastating at Napoli, the Argentine has struggled more since joining PSG and could be on his way out. Not quite the sort of player Spurs need, but does score goals from out wide.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Demba Ba - If as predicted Chelsea sign a striker in January then Ba could be available on loan. Would provide a useful back up striker for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Bruno Martins Indi - Can play at left back or centre-back and has reportedly been a long term target of Tottenham's. The 21-year-old is valued at around £5.5m

Tottenham Hotspur - January transfer targets

Jamaal Lascelles - Nottingham Forrest's highly rated England U21 defender has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs reportedly. Not the man to instantly solve Spurs' problems but certainly one for the future.

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