Swansea City vs Stoke City preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Swansea City have begun the new season with a loss and a draw under the guidance of new manager Russell Martin.

An opening day 2-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers was followed up by a goalless draw against Sheffield United at the weekend.

Stoke's two opening games have been parallel opposites, with a goalless draw to Birmingham City coming after they defeated Reading 3-2 in the first game of the season.

Michael O'Neill will hope his team can continue their solid start to the campaign on the road.

Team news

The hosts will have Jay Fulton back in contention after he served a three-match ban for his red-card in the playoff final last season.

They will continue to be without Connor Roberts (groin), Wayne Routledge (knee), Korey Smith (calf) and Liam Walsh (hamstring).

Defender Ethan Laird is in line to make his debut, after joining on loan from Manchester Unitedon Monday.

New man Mario Vrancic missed the Potters' game against Birmingham due to a hamstring tweak, and will undergo a late fitness test to make the squad to face Swansea.

Key frontman Tyrese Campbell remains on the sidelines since his injury last November.

Predicted lineups

Swansea City (3-4-1-2)

Benda; Manning, Cabango, Cooper; Laird, Fulton, Grimes, Bidwell; Paterson; Piroe, Lowe.

Stoke City (3-4-1-2)

Bursik; Ostigard, Souttar, Wilmot; Smith, Allen, Clucas, Doughty; Powell; Brown, Surridge.

Ones to watch

Jamal Lowe

Lowe's journey to the second tier has been far from conventional, after spending his early years in non-league with Barnet and Hampton & Richmond, amongst others.

The 27-year-old striker moved the Swans in 2020 via successful spells at Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic, and was a huge part of the team that reached the playoff final last season after chipping in with 14 goals. He is searching for a first goal this campaign and will hope it can come against a strong Stoke backline.

Jacob Brown

Brown has cut a decisive figure amongst Potters fans since his arrival from Barnsley in the summer of 2020, but his commitment levels and six goals last season have silenced many doubters.

The 23-year-old can play on the wing, but looks set to be deployed as a striker in Michael O'Neill's preferred formation this season. He already has one goal to his name after scoring against Reading, and his high-energy, pressing style is sure to give Swansea's ball-playing defence a problem.

Previous meetings

Swansea won both meetings between the two last season, 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium and 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium.

The Potters' last win in this fixture came in October 2019, courtesy of a last ditch Scott Hogan winner to give them their first win of that season.