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5 Bold Predictions For Stoke City vs. Swansea City In Week 8

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Bold Predictions For Stoke City vs. Swansea City In Week 8

Britannia Stadium
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It may not be the most glamorous of world football fixtures, but Stoke City's clash against Swansea City is already shaping up to be quite a sizzling match. With both sides going through a similar patch of form in recent times, it looks like it'll be a really tight contest. Will home advantage count? And can Swansea continue their surge up the table? Here are five predictions ahead of the Week 8 tie.

5. Krkic To Finally Prove Himself

Bojan Krkic vs Hull City
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5. Krkic To Finally Prove Himself

Bojan Krkic vs Hull City
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Having only made four appearances so far, some of which were brief cameos as a substitute, the former Barcelona and Ajax winger hasn't really been given the opportunity to shine. Should Mark Hughes have faith in him for the final stretch of the game, Bojan Krkic could well cause havoc against a tired Swansea defense. He might even grab his first goal in Stoke City colors, if he riles himself up for the challenge. After all, he has the talent.

4. Crouch To "Celebrate" Another Goal

Peter Crouch vs Newcastle United
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4. Crouch To "Celebrate" Another Goal

Peter Crouch vs Newcastle United
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Perhaps more known for his so-called celebrations than he is for his actual goals, former World Cup scorer Peter Crouch will be out to add to the two goals he's already netted this season. A towering presence inside the 18-yard box, the lanky Englishman will be a constant source of aerial threat to Garry Monk's men. Let's just hope, if he does score, he's spent as much time practicing his celebratory moves as he has on the training ground.

3. Dyer To Receive Lots Of Stoke Attention

Nathan Dyer vs Southampton
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3. Dyer To Receive Lots Of Stoke Attention

Nathan Dyer vs Southampton
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Four goals in all competitions, including three in the league means that the 26-year-old is the biggest threat to Stoke. Rest assured, though, now he's been earmarked as a potential threat. The hosts will do all they can to shut him down and minimize his influence. Dyer's in for a quiet afternoon.

2. Hughes Will Mastermind A Win

Mark Hughes
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2. Hughes Will Mastermind A Win

Mark Hughes
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One of the most dramatic wins of the season so far saw Sparky's men pull off the archetypal smash-and-grab against Manchester City, and with high-flying Swansea ahead of them in the league, their tag as underdogs could well play into their hands once more. Hughes will expect Swansea to pass the ball around them, but if they're good enough to hold off The Citizens, they ought to have enough guile to see this job through also.

1. Swans' Away Weaknesses To Persist

Jonjo Shelvey
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1. Swans' Away Weaknesses To Persist

Jonjo Shelvey
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Since the heroics of their opening match-day win against Manchester United, Swansea have failed to win away from home, losing and drawing one apiece. True, both Monk and Hughes have won against the big guns, but The Potters have a habit of frustrating teams, a factor that's much more difficult to combat. Plus, the Welsh side overcame United at one of its lowest ebbs so far – it was a result there for the taking.

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