Manchester City won't be able to defend their Premier League title but still have a chance to end the season on a high note by winning the FA Cup next weekend. The quest to build momentum ahead of that match continues against Swansea.
Early in the campaign it appeared fans were in for another tight race between City and rival Manchester United. Instead, the Red Devils pulled away from the pack to reclaim the crown. City must figure out a way to close the gap before next season.
Swansea already captured a trophy this season, winning the Capital One Cup after knocking Chelsea out in the semifinals and demolishing Bradford City in the final. They have been slumping as of late, however, going six straight matches without a win.
Since City wants to be in top form before the FA Cup final, it won't be easy for Swansea to get back on a winning track on Saturday. Here's a look at all the key viewing information for the match along with players to watch and a prediction.
Michu arrived to Swansea amid little fanfare last summer and has actually been one of the best value additions in the Premier League. He's scored 17 goals, which ranks fifth, while also chipping in three assists to help lead the club's offensive charge.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder quickly developed into the Swans' saving grace. Given the fact no other player has more than five goals, it's hard to imagine Swansea sitting in the top half of the table without him.
He was kept off the score sheet in the previous meeting with City. He will need to change that in the rematch if Swansea want to earn at least a draw on home turf. The number of touches he gets in the first half will be a clear indication of how the match is going for the Swans.
Aguero has been in fine form lately. He's scored six goals over his last nine appearances, including a goal in last week's victory over West Ham. It's the type of play fans saw a lot more often from him during his first season with the club.
One of the main reasons City weren't able to keep pace with United was the lack of a dynamic attack. Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez all had their moments throughout the campaign, but none could maintain a high level of play long enough to make a serious charge at the Red Devils.
The good news is that Aguero's terrific play down the stretch provides some hope heading into the offseason. He'll be looking to continue that run against Swansea as he prepares for a likely start in the FA Cup final next week.
A great goalkeeping matchup is on tap as Vorm, Swansea's underrated No. 1, faces off with Hart. Vorm figures to be the more busy of the two given City's far superior attacking depth, but exactly how much added pressure he faces will decide the match.
Vorm has proved capable of stealing points for Swansea with a big performance between the posts. But there's only so much he can do if City is relentless on the attack and the Swans aren't able to at least create some counterattacking pressure. He's a solid keeper, not a miracle worker.
At the other end, Hart continues to show why the future is bright in net for England. He's recorded 15 clean sheets in 34 starts, just two off his total from last season when City won the title. Expect another solid showing from him today.
Via: FC Magna Wiener Neustadt - FC Wacker Innsbruck - Austrian Bundesliga
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