Newly crowned 2017-18 Premier League champions, Manchester City celebrate their coronation with a home match against relegation battling, Swansea City.
With the title sealed, Man City can go for a few Premier League records whilst Swansea know that a shock victory will strengthen their survival hopes and relegate West Bromwich Albion.
Team news
Manchester City will be without striker, Sergio Aguero for remainder of season after the Argentinean underwent minor surgery on a knee injury.
Fernandinho remains suspended whilst centre back, John Stones is doubtful with a groin issue.
Swansea have Sam Clucas available following his recovery from a knee problem.
Defender, Mike van der Hoorn is also expected to return after overcoming a shoulder injury.
Angel Rangel could also return from a groin injury here.
Luciano Narsingh is ruled out with a twisted ankle as Renato Sanches remains out with a hamstring injury.
Leroy Fer (calf) and Wilfried Bony (anterior cruciate ligament) are both missing for rest of season.
Form
Man City have been inconsistent since returning from international break, winning two and losing three across all competitions.
Two of those three defeats came in UEFA Champions League to Liverpool but the Citizens have lost their last two home games in all competitions, including against city rivals – Manchester United a fortnight ago in league.
In that run, Gabriel Jesus is top scorer, having netted four goals for City whilst Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling have two apiece.
Swansea meanwhile have taken just two points from their three league games upon returning from the fortnight off last month.
Stat Attack
- Since a final day 1-1 draw in May 2016, Swansea have lost their last four meetings with Manchester City across all competitions.
- In three of those four matches, both teams managed to score.
- In last 11 league meetings since a 1-0 home win in March 2012, the Swans have taken just two points out of a possible 33.
- Manchester City’s 93 goals so far is the best goal tally of the title winning team since 2013-14, when the then City side scored 102 goals en route to title that season.
- Swansea have the worst shot and goal totals, having had just 274 shots and scored 27 goals.
- Kevin de Bruyne and Jordan Ayew have both hit the woodwork four times apiece this season.
- Swansea’s Kyle Naughton has made the most tackles out of either side (86).
Where can game be won or lost?
| Per Game Average | Manchester City (home) | Swansea City (away) |
| Corners | 7.44 | 2.82 |
| Fouls | 9.31 | 9.59 |
| Shots | 18.38 | 6.24 |
| Shots on Target | 8.13 | 1.82 |
| Goals | 3.31 | 0.65 |
| Yellow Cards | 1.63 | 1.29 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Goals per First Half % | 32.1 | 36.4 |
| Goals per Second Half % | 67.9 | 63.6 |
Man City definitely shouldn’t lose this game given how dominant they’re across the pitch.
Apart from their foul and yellow card averages, Swansea’s figures in other areas are worrying especially when away from the Liberty Stadium.
Their best hope therefore lies in scoring before half time then producing the godfather of all defensive displays to keep City out.
City’s higher yellow card average could certainly come into play if the Swans can frustrate them into losing their nerve and potentially get a Citizen sent off.
Should they fail there then expect an one sided rout, particularly after the break despite both sides tending to score more in second half.
Prediction
With this being City’s coronation game, I can see them wanting to kick on now and prove why they’re champions even if it means crushing Swansea.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Swansea City
Jake predicts: Manchester City 2-0 Swansea City
Result: Manchester City 5-0 Swansea City