Vital Stoke predicts: Swansea (Home)

It is still very tight at the top of the prediction league with Editor Lloyd Reddin, Co-Editor Tom Barker and BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson currently leading the way, but there is still a lot of time for everything to change.

Here is the league as it stands after the third week:
1. Tom Barker Prediction (2-1; 0pt) 8 points
1. Mark Lawrenson Prediction (2-0; 1pt) 8 points
1. Lloyd Reddin Prediction (2-0; 1pt) 8 points
1. Tom McKeon Prediction (2-1; 1pt) 5 points
5. Ryan Kalisz Prediction (1-1; 0pt) 3 points
6. Niall Cope Prediction (2-2; 0pt) 2 points

The Vital Stoke team will go head-to-head with BBC`s Mark Lawrenson in predicting Stoke`s result against Swansea City at the Britannia Stadium.

Points will be given for any member of the team that gets the score correct (3points) or the result correct (Win, Lose or draw (1 point)), and all points will be calculated throughout the season.

The team`s predictions are as followed:

Editor Lloyd Reddin- Stoke2-0 Swansea

“This game is a must win in my eyes with a few more tough games to come, we have to stop the rot of 11 games without a win, I think we`ll go for it and come out comfortable victors after bullying a Swansea side who have had a good start to the season.”

Co-Editor Tom Barker- Stoke 2-0 Swansea

“Stoke looked extremely dangerous against the Champions of Europe, and it gave all Stoke fans something to hope for coming in to this game. We are long overdue a win in the top tier now, and i feel that Swansea could be perfect opportunity to show the Premier League what we can really do when we set our minds to it. “

Co-Editor Ryan Kalisz- Stoke 2-0 Swansea

“Swansea superbly started the new season under their new gaffer, leaving fans asking ‘who the eff is Brendan Rodgers?’. But recently they’ve stumbled slightly and so I reckon it’s about time our brilliant play, with the bulk of Adams and N’Zonzi in the centre is rewarded with 3 points. I predict our first win of the season, especially to a side who don’t even reach Etherington’s knees.”

Co-Editor Tom McKeon- Stoke 2-0 Swansea

“Swansea are a football team who I really admire, they’ve come into the premier league and not only hold their own, but played a style of football which is great to watch. With the departure of Rodgers, I expected them to struggle, but from what I’ve seen so far I think they’ll stay up this year, they have some terrific footballers. However, this is the first game of the season for Stoke where you think ‘yes, we should win this one`, and I think we will. The last couple of performances have been refreshing and very encouraging against fantastic teams, and I think our first win will come tomorrow. It won’t be easy but we have the quality in our team now to put on a real show tomorrow, and I think we will. “

Co-Editor Niall Cope- Stoke 3-1 Swansea

“The two sides secured 2-0 wins at home last season against each other and I can see Stoke being triumphant again this time around at the Britannia Stadium.

‘A solid, if not spectacular, start to season by The Potters sets them up for a home game with three points a real possibility.

‘The Swans started the season in fine form, scoring eight goals and conceding none in their opening two victories but have found it tough since – picking up only a single point.

‘Stoke will hope they can build on their four draws and a defeat this season and win their first game in the Premier League since beating Wolves back in April.’


BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson- Stoke 2-0 Swansea

“Everton beat Swansea at a canter last week in what was the Welsh side’s second defeat in a row.

“I cannot see things being any easier for Michael Laudrup’s side at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke will look to completely suffocate the Swans’ passing style, stop them playing and put them under stacks of pressure.

“Laudrup’s side have had a bit of a reality check of late, after their sparkling start to the season, and this is probably one of the last fixtures they would want as they look to find some fluency again.

“Stoke may only have four points from five games but they have looked pretty good every time I have seen them of late and I think they will be too strong for Swansea.”

Can anyone pull ahead at the top of the league or can the stragglers pull their way back up the table?

What do you think the score will be? Don`t be afraid to let us know in the comments section below!