Swansea V Arsenal live Barclays Premier League Preview 16 March 2013
They begin the weekend five points behind the top four, where the Frenchman has always led the Gunners in his 16 previous seasons at the club. To maintain that record, they will need all the spirit and togetherness of the performance in Germany.
The key could well be consistency, something that has often eluded them this season and irritated players, manager and supporters alike.
Team News:
As Arsenal face up to an eighth successive season without a trophy, they'll face a Swansea team still on a high after their first major honour.
Michael Laudrup's contract extension has further buoyed the atmosphere, and Swansea will attempt to win four successive top-flight home matches for the first time since John Toshack's side 31 years ago.
They've not only won more admirers this season but more points too, having already hit the 40-point target - just seven short of last season's entire total.
Swansea midfielder Leon Britton has made good progress in his recovery from a hip injury and could be fit.
Luke Moore should shake off a calf problem but Chico Flores (ankle) and Kemy Agustien (thigh) again miss out.
Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs will be rested for this game, having just returned from a thigh injury.
Nacho Monreal is available after being cup-tied against Bayern, while Thomas Vermaelen and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could also return.
Head-to-head
Swansea beat Arsenal 3-2 in this fixture last season, and also won 2-0 at the Emirates in December.
But Arsenal beat the Swans in the FA Cup in January, winning 1-0 in the replay after the sides had drawn 2-2 at the Liberty Stadium.
In the three matches between these two teams this season, six of the seven goals have been scored in the last nine minutes.
Swansea
Their home record is exactly the same as this stage last season (W6, D6, L2). They have scored eight fewer goals but conceded nine fewer.
Swansea have led at half-time on five occasions this season - and have converted all five into victories.
Spanish players have scored 20 goals for Swansea in the Premier League this season.
One of those Spaniards, Michu, has scored three goals in three matches against Arsenal in all competitions this season.
Arsenal
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League matches that have followed a Champions League fixture since a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham in October 2011.
Arsenal have won just three times in their 13 matches against top-half clubs this season.
Theo Walcott turns 24 on the day of the game.
Lukas Podolski has been substituted in 19 of his 21 league starts this season, more than any other Arsenal player.
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Match: Swansea V Arsenal
Date: Saturday,16 March
Kickoff: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Liberty Stadium
Live/Repeat: Live
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