Stoke in a slump are no threat to classy Swansea

Swansea may have several first team players missing but their opponents Stoke haven’t won in seven Premier League games and the home side are one of the bankers of the weekend at 4/5.

The last 12 games between these two sides have resulted in somebody going home with three points and Michael Laudrup’s team are the obvious contenders.

Bet on Wilfried Bony to score first at 9/2

They struggled to create many chances in a tedious Welsh derby with Cardiff last weekend, but the goal-scoring hole left by Michu’s absence can be filled by the rough and ready Wilfried Bony, their record £12 million signing.

The Ivorian has eight goals in all competitions to his name this season and he can stamp his presence on a robust Stoke defence, which has been weakened by the absence of Erik Pieters.

Mark Hughes’ side may be a bit more expressive than the Potters under Tony Pulis, however they haven’t won in the Premier League in seven matches, a run which includes reverses against strugglers Norwich and Fulham.

Bet on Swansea -1 on the handicap at 27/10

The last four games between these teams have all been won by two clear goals and this stat, coupled with Stoke conceding eight goals in their last three games in all competitions, makes the 27/10 about Swansea -1 on the handicap appealing.

The Swans were thumped by Man Utd at home earlier in the season, but they performed with great credit against Liverpool and Arsenal, and Laudrup’s side have been strong against poor sides at the Liberty stadium.

They put four past Sunderland last month and would have taken three points against Sam Allardyce’s parked West Ham bus with more clinical finishing.

The home team, who keep possession of the ball so well, are unlikely to be as profligate against Stoke and should be backed accordingly.

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Swansea to win at 4/5