Laudrup's Swans set to face the murky waters of the Etihad
By Adam Bailey
European enterprises held very different outcomes for both sides as Swansea suffered midweek misery whilst City enjoyed hilarity at home once again. Daniel Parejo's goal earned Valencia a 1-0 win in Wales on Thursday and the Welsh side must record at least a point in their next tie against St Gallen if they are to reach the last 32 of the competition.
Swansea will travel to Manchester on Sunday with their ammunition severely depleted. Top scorers Wilfried Bony (10) and Michu (7) both suffered injuries in the mid-week fixture leaving Michael Laudrup with unsettling shortages up top.
For Manuel Pellegrini's side however, Swansea's injuries have come at the perfect time. A shaky defensive performance on Wednesday night was masked by yet another attacking masterclass that saw Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri, Álvaro Negredo and Edin Džeko help City to their 15th goal of the Champions League group stages.
Omens look good for the blues who have not lost to Swansea on home turf since 1951. Since then, City have scored 15 goals in 7 home games against Laudrup's side and with Sergio Agüero and Álvaro Negredo set to start on Sunday, that impressive tally may well rise uncontrollably.
The Dane's dragons possess one of the league's better away records and have achieved 9 points from 6 away fixtures this season. However, Manuel's minions are yet to splatter even the smallest speck of dirt on their 100% Premier League home record and without Bony and Michu in their ranks, a sixth league defeat of the season looks likely.
My thoughts
For me, Swansea's misfortune in mid-week can only point to yet another Etihad mauling. Swansea like to play pleasant football and their midfield will present the Blues with a tough obstacle to penetrate, however, without Bony and Michu, Swansea simply have no fire power up top.
Our defence has looked worryingly shoddy in recent weeks and until Vincent Kompany returns to the side, I can't see the situation changing. Luckily, the Swans have little to throw at our back four on Sunday and I feel it will be a case for the attack once again. Beauty and the beast will put on one of their best shows.
Prediction: City 4-0 Swansea
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