Preview: Bournemouth vs. Swansea City - prediction, team news, lineups

Swansea City make the trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday evening knowing that they will move into second spot in the Championship standings if they avoid defeat at the Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries head into this contest on the back of a potentially-costly defeat against Barnsley, a result which has left the club five points adrift of the top six.

Match preview

© Reuters

The capitulation at home to Bristol City on February 27 would have left Steve Cooper with concerns about the longevity of his Swansea side, one which has had a familiar look to it throughout the campaign.

However, collecting 10 points from four games has eased any worries that Cooper may have had, leaving him to stick with the bulk of the players who have kept the club in the race for automatic promotion.

While Swansea have benefitted from penalties of late, an early Conor Hourihane goal proved to be the difference as the Welsh outfit edged out Luton Town at the weekend.

With Jamal Lowe having dropped down to the substitutes' bench, there is a solid look to this team now that more onus is being placed on regaining their form in defence.

Cooper will want to retain the balance between the backline and his limited attack, but a first clean sheet in five matches should only increase the belief within this squad.

© Reuters

Bournemouth would have hoped to be heading into this contest having at least avoided defeat against Barnsley, a result which would have kept the Cherries in close proximity to the form team in the division.

However, Jonathan Woodgate must now find a way to recover from a 3-2 reverse at home to the Tykes, who rallied during the second half to claim all three points.

Now at risk of dropping out of the playoff picture and under pressure to keep his job in the long term, Woodgate is aware that he can ill-afford a second setback in quick succession.

The former defender is able to take encouragement from scoring twice against a well-drilled backline, but Bournemouth have now squandered five points from winning positions in the space of a week.

Team News

© Reuters

Woodgate is expected to be forced into at least one alteration after Adam Smith's early withdrawal against Barnsley.

Jack Stacey and Phillip Billing are in contention to return to the side with Woodgate also likely to consider a switch to a back three.

Cooper may see no reason to make any changes to his Swansea team after their win and clean sheet versus Luton.

Ben Cabango, Jake Bidwell and Jay Fulton are best placed to be handed recalls if Cooper opts to introduce fresh legs.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Begovic; Stacey, Carter-Vickers, Cook, Kelly; Billing, Lerma; Stanislas, Solanke, Groeneveld; Long

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Naughton, Bennett, Latibeaudiere; Roberts, Smith, Grimes, Manning; Hourihane, Dhanda; Ayew

We say: Bournemouth 1-2 Swansea City

The size of the deficit to Barnsley means that Bournemouth cannot settle for a share of the spoils from this game. However, that will only play into the favour of the visitors, whom we expect to edge their way to victory over the 90 minutes.