Pep Guardiola’s charges extended their advantage at the top of the table last time out, when they overcame local rivals Manchester United by two goals to one at Old Trafford. Both of City’s strikes may have come from set-pieces, but they were far superior in open play and thoroughly deserved their 14th consecutive top-flight victory – which sets a new all-time English top division record in a single season. There is no doubt that City have been sublime so far this campaign and it is extremely difficult to envisage a situation in which they are beaten to the title, even at this relatively early stage of the season. Indeed, their dominance of the division is such that many are now tipping Guardiola’s side to go through the whole of 2017/18 undefeated, thus matching the feat of Arsenal in 2003/04 and Preston North End in 1888/89.
Swansea were also victorious when they last took to the field, beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 to bring an end to their run of seven Premier League matches without a win. It was a much-needed success for the Swans and manager Paul Clement, who did a fine job of pulling the club clear from the drop zone last term but has come under increasing pressure in the last few weeks. Yet despite that narrow triumph over their fellow strugglers, there is still plenty of work to do for Swansea: the Welsh outfit remain in the bottom three and continue to have problems putting the ball in the net, with their return of nine goals scored this term comfortably the worst record in the division.
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+36.59%
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13
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Vincent Kompany limped out of the Manchester derby and will therefore be unavailable for selection against Swansea, with Eliaquim Mangala the leading candidate to start alongside Nicolas Otamendi in the heart of the backline. Fellow defenders John Stones (hamstring) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) remain sidelined, and Guardiola may opt to rest some of his usual starters ahead of the hectic festive schedule.
Kyle Bartley is still absent for Swansea with a knee injury, but head coach Clement has no fresh fitness concerns ahead of the visit of the table-toppers. Tammy Abraham could return to the starting XI in place of Wilfried Bony despite the latter’s goal at the weekend, while Renato Sanches will hope for another opportunity to impress in midfield despite some underwhelming performances up to now.
There is a chance that City will be a little drained from their considerable exploits on Sunday – on both a physical and mental level – and they may at times be frustrated by a Swansea team who will likely defend deep and pack men behind the ball. There is too much quality at Guardiola’s disposal for the visitors to fail to win the game, however, although perhaps the margin of victory will be narrower than would ordinarily be expected when the runaway leaders face the side who are second-bottom in the standings. An away triumph to nil is one option worth considering, but under 2.5 goals to be scored in total could be the best bet in terms of value.
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