Currently sitting joint-top of the Premier League table, Arsenal will look to record their fifth consecutive league victory against Swansea City this weekend. It has been almost two years since the Gunners last won five on the bounce in the league -- they were spearheaded by a certain Robin van Persie back then -- though with a spring in their step, a repeat looks likely.
Swansea City vs. Arsenal: Preview and TV schedule
Arsenal travel to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, looking to defend their position at the top of the table.
Jamie McDonald
More from our team blogs: Arsenal blog The Short Fuse
However, a stubborn Swansea team stands in their way. Michael Laudrup’s side have moved up into the top half of the table by winning two of their last three games, and have recovered from a disappointing start to the campaign. With a reshaped team still blending, they should be improving as the season progresses.
Unfortunately the Swans have a couple of early injury doubts, with Pablo Hernández and Ashley Williams both possible absentees. Even so, Laudrup has nowhere near as much to worry about as Arsène Wenger on the injury front. Arsenal still have several players out injured, with Theo Walcott's absence arguably most significant. He's out after abdominal surgery, meaning Serge Gnabry could keep his position out wide.
Swansea City injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Pablo Hernández (hamstring), Ashley Williams (ankle).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Abou Diaby (knee), Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Theo Walcott (abdomen). In doubt: Tomáš Rosický (thigh).
Projected lineups
Swansea City: Michel Vorm; Ben Davies, Ashley Williams, Chico Flores, Àngel Rangel; José Cañas, Jonathan de Guzmán; Wayne Routledge, Michu, Nathan Dyer; Álvaro Vázquez
Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna; Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini; Jack Wilshere, Mesut Özil, Serge Gnabry; Olivier Giroud
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales
TV: NBC (U.S.), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
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