Arsenal vs Swansea

Back in November Swansea shocked Arsene Wenger’s side when they fought back from a goal down to defeat The Gunners and allow Garry Monk all the deserved plaudits, now it’s the return fixture and Arsenal are out for revenge.

Wenger’s side only have second place to fight for in the table now because Chelsea have already been confirmed as Champions. They could go back level on points with Manchester City with a win here and maintain a five point gap over Manchester United who are currently playing catch up in fourth.

The Gunners have all but qualified for The Champions League next season after taking an impressive 28 points from the last 30 on offer (nine wins and a draw) and they will be hoping to continue this run by extracting revenge on the side that humiliated them some six months ago.

Garry Monk’s side have had a fantastic season under their young manager and are currently sitting in eighth position – they will be holding out the long winded hope that they can do the double over Arsenal for the first time in their history..

Team News

Arsenal could be missing Aaron Ramsey after a leg injury suffered against Hull, whilst Danny Welbeck is certain to miss the fixture as he recovers from a knee injury.

Swansea will be without defender Jordi Amat after he was ruled out for the remaining games this season with a broken toe.Striker Nelson Oliveira is side-lined after suffering an ankle injury but Dwight Teindalli has been recalled from his loan from Middlesbrough and Jazz Richards has returned from Fulham and both could make returns to the side.

Stats

Last season’s game at the Emirates ended in a 2-2 draw, with the Swans picking up a point thanks to Mathieu Flamini’s last-minute own goal.

Swansea have had to come from behind to get seven of the 10 points they have earned against the Gunners.

21 of the last 22 goals in this fixture in all competitions have been scored in the second half of the match.

 Prediction

Swansea have been formidable opponents throughout this season and they won’t be taking Arsenal lightly. The Swans proved they have the power to dominate all over the pitch last weekend against Stoke and they will want to prove that they can so the same away from home. Arsenal still have a lot to play for and will come out fighting for this fixture.

Arsenal 3-2 Swansea

Odds – Arsenal 3/10 Draw 5 Swansea 10

Philippa Hopwood