The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the upcoming EFL Championship match between Swansea City and Southampton on Saturday.
Matchday 28 of the 2023/24 EFL Championship season will continue on Saturday, with the action kicking off in Wales. Swansea City and Southampton will lock horns at the Swansea.com Stadium, with both teams eager to grab three points.
Swansea City started the 2023/24 season poorly, dropping as low as 22nd in the standings. But the Swans have steadily improved in the last few weeks to climb to a lower mid-table position with a playoff spot in sight. As for Southampton, the Saints were also slow off the blocks but have been excellent in recent games, climbing to the third spot on the table, only three behind second-placed Ipswich Town.
Where to Watch Swansea City vs Southampton?
Swansea City vs Southampton will kick off at 12:30 pm GMT at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Sky Sports Football will broadcast the game in the UK, with the Sky GO App streaming it. Readers in India can watch the match on the Fancode App. Meanwhile, viewers in the USA can catch the fixture on ESPN+.
Form
Swansea City: WLDWWD
Swansea City’s form has improved considerably since the early season struggles. The Swans have lost just one of their last six games, although that defeat came against Southampton in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day. But they are unbeaten in their four outings since then, playing a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City in the most recent clash.
Southampton: WWWDWW
While Swansea City’s recent run has been solid, Southampton’s form heading into Saturday’s game is even better. The Saints are the most in-form team in the EFL Championship, and they are unbeaten in 20 games, last losing a match in September. So, it is no wonder that Russell Martin’s men have climbed to third on the table, only two points behind second-placed Ipswich.
Head-to-Head Record
Swansea City and Southampton have locked horns 74 times thus far. The Saints have a superior head-to-head record, clinching 37 wins (D16 L21). The recent meetings also favour Southampton, as they have clinched eight victories in the last ten match-ups, losing only twice (D1).
Key Stats
- Swansea City and Southampton have previously locked horns 74 times, with the Saints winning 37 games (D16 L21).
- Southampton clinched a 5-0 win against Swansea on Boxing Day. But they have not done a league double over the Swans since 2015/16 in the Premier League.
- Swansea City have won their last two home league games, as many as in their opening 11 matches of the 2023/24 campaign (D5 L4).
- Southampton can set a new club record of 20 consecutive games unbeaten in the Football League should they avoid defeat on Saturday. On the other hand, Southampton have won five of their last six league matches (D1), scoring four or more goals in three of those victories.
- Adam Armstrong became the first player in the top four tiers of England this season to register 10+ goals (14) and 10+ assists (11) with his three goal involvements against Sheffield Wednesday last time out (1 goal, 2 assists). Indeed, he’s the first Southampton player to reach 25 goal involvements in a single league season since Rickie Lambert in 2011-12 (40).
Prediction and Betting Tips
Swansea City might have come leaps and bounds in the last few weeks, but they will come up against the most in-form team in the top four tiers of English football. Southampton’s last loss in any competition came in September, and we back them to clinch the three points. So, bet on Southampton to win.
Adam Armstrong’s form has driven Southampton’s campaign thus far. The 26-year-old is the first player in the top four tiers of English football to rack up double figures in goals and assists this season. So, we expect Adam Armstrong to score or assist any time.