Swansea vs Southampton: In-form Gylfi Sigurdsson takes on resurgent Fraser Forster at the Liberty Stadium
A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Liberty Stadium
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Gylfi Sigurdsson
The Iceland international is on form despite his team failing to close out recent draws. He scored in the Swans’ last three consecutive games, totalling five goals in six appearances. He faces tough opposition in Fraser Forster, but should he continue leaking goals and pushing Swansea away from the relegation zone, the 16th place team’s fans will sleep far easier at night.
Best stat…
59%: The last time the clubs faced off in September, Swansea managed a dominant 59% possession but allowed Southampton to make far more effective use of their time on the ball. The previous match strangely yielded opposite results, with Southampton losing 1-0 despite having 63% possession.
Remember when…
Southampton and Swansea’s last meeting: Swansea’s defence will need to make sure they close Southampton down and do not allow them as much space this weekend.
Player to watch…
It is harder to pick out a player drawing more attention in the Southampton team that Fraser Forster. The 27-year-old has not let a goal in since returning from injury five matches ago. Southampton’s defence have improved dramatically, but taking too much away from the English keeper would be unfair. Manager Ronald Koeman has heaped praise on his man, explaining he was unsure how he would perform after being out for nearly 10 months, but he is delighted with Forster’s resurgence.
Past three-meetings…
Southampton 3 (van Dijk, Ki OG, Mané) Swansea 1 (Sigurdsson)
Premier League, September 2015.
Swansea 1 (Shelvey) Southampton 0
Premier League, February 2015.
Southampton 1 (Wanyama) Swansea 0
Premier League, September 2014.
Form guide…
Swansea: LLWWDD
Southampton: LWWWDW
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm
TV: Highlights on BBC1