Swansea City have endured a really tough start to the current Premier League season, but hope is high amongst their supporters in the Tavern that they can turn things around in the very near future.
With new manager Bob Bradley at the helm, the Swans have lost to Arsenal and held Watford to a 0-0 draw, two results that have both in some way shown improvements in recent weeks.
And next up for 19th placed Swansea is Stoke City, who haven’t enjoyed a fruitful start to the season themselves.
But we’re tipping Bradley to get his first win in charge in this one, having seen plenty of positives from their last two games.
But how should the former American international lineup his troops for the crunch tie against fellow strugglers?
Here’s our Swansea City XI that we think will overcome the Potters this weekend…
GK: Lukasz Fabianski
Former Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski has had little to do with Swansea’s poor start and in fact, he’s been extremely solid at times this season.
RB: Kyle Naughton
Kyle Naughton offers Swansea a fantastic attacking option going forward, and at times this season – he’s been very good indeed.
If there is another man that also doesn’t deserve much slack it’s the former Spurs man, who will hope to keep things tight against Stoke this Sunday.
CB: Mike van der Hoorn
Dutch youngster Mike van der Hoorn was restored to the starting lineup for the game against Watford and he looked pretty comfortable indeed.
He made the switch from Ajax this summer and has plenty of adapting to do here in England but the early signs look promising.
CB: Alfie Mawson
By far one of the most impressive players against Watford last time out was Alfie Mawson, who seriously impressed new manager Bob Bradley.
He kept the robust striking partnership of Ighalo and Deeney quiet and more than deserves to keep his place in the side for the game against Spurs.
LB: Neil Taylor
Neil Taylor has plenty of experience in this Swansea City back-four and he’ll be looking to bounce back after being dropped for the game against Watford.
CDM: Leon Britton
Another Swansea City veteran, Leon Britton was given a start against Watford and he was extremely solid in the middle-of-the-park.
He hasn’t had as much game-time as he might have liked in recent months but with a new manager now at the helm, he has every chance of pressing for the first-team week-after-week.
CDM: Ki Sung-Yueng
There were plenty of reports suggesting Ki Sung-Yueng had clashed with previous manager Francesco Guidolin but like Britton, under new manager Bob Bradley – he’s been given the chance to start again.
He was good against Watford and will more than likely be involved in this one too.
RM: Modou Barrow
Modou Barrow was Swansea’s man-of-the-match against Watford, and despite not scoring – his pace and directness caused the Potters defence difficulties all evening.
It was great to see the Gambian international playing well and the early indications suggest he’ll be a big player under new manager Bob Bradley.
CAM: Gylfi Sigurdsson
As always, Icelandic international Gyfi Sigurdsson has continued to be the heartbeat in this Swansea City side, despite the change in manager.
All of Swansea’s good play seems to go through him at one point or another which is not a bad thing at all.
If the Swans are going to start scoring goals, Sigurdsson will be a massive part of that going forward.
LM: Wayne Routledge
Wayne Routledge is now in his sixth season with Swansea City and he’ll be hoping to be a big part of any revival at the Liberty Stadium.
Like Modou Barrow, he brings a terrific amount of pace to the Swansea flanks and if he can find some form, he’ll be a real asset in this team.
ST: Borja Baston
Summer signing Borja Baston is now fully fit and ready to go – and Swansea fans will be hoping the former Atletico Madrid man can lead them to safety this season.
His goals could be the difference between safety and relegation come the end of the season.
