Preview & Prediction: Aston Villa vs Swansea

Two out-of-form sides meet at Villa Park this weekend as under-pressure Tim Sherwood hopes to inspire his Aston Villa side to victory against a Swansea team who haven’t won in five league matches.

Sherwood told journalists in his pre-match press conference that he still has confidence in goalkeeper Brad Guzan despite the American’s blunder in last weekend’s defeat at Chelsea, but admitted that Mark Bunn will be considered for selection.

Ciaran Clark, Gabby Agbonlahor and Jores Okore could return for the hosts, who sit second-bottom of the Premier League with just four points from nine games.

Villa haven’t won since Rudy Gestede’s goal earned them a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on the opening day, and have lost their last five; Saturday represents crunch time for Sherwood and his side.

Meanwhile, the Swans are looking to get back on track after sliding down the table in recent weeks.

Garry Monk’s side haven’t picked up three points since they defeated Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium at the end of August, and now sit just four points above the drop zone.

Monday night saw the Welsh side lose at home to Stoke to continue their miserable recent run, and Monk has admitted his side are in “a difficult moment”.

This could be the ideal venue to end their poor form, however; the Swans have lost just once in four Premier League meetings at Villa Park.

Wayne Routledge (calf) is the only doubt for the visitors.

League Position: Aston Villa – 19th (4 pts); Swansea – 14th (10 pts)
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 0-1 Swansea (March 21, 2015)
Key Men: Aston Villa – Jack Grealish; Swansea – Andre Ayew
Form: Aston Villa – DLLLLL; Swansea – WLDLDL
Shoot Says: Aston Villa 1-2 Swansea