Swansea look to be edging towards safety at the moment, but are still at threat of a run of good form from any of the bottom four sides.
Guidolin’s arrival at the Welsh club has seen an upturn in form and relative safety has been provided by a recent improvement in results. The Swans are battled their way to nine points above the relegation zone and are within a couple of results of almost guaranteeing safety with nine games left to play.
Tactics have varied throughout the campaign for Swansea, but there seems to be a happy medium between possession based football and using the more direct alternative that utilises the pace of Swansea’s versatile forward line.
Swansea’s remaining fixtures will not only effect the end of their season, but they could have a significant impact in the title race and the battle for Champions League football.
Here we have it, Swansea’s five most crucial fixtures in their survival charge…
Villa visit Wales
Even Aston Villa have accepted their relegation to the Championship by now, but this fixture on 19th March could be the opportunity for Swansea to seal their Premier League fate for next season.
Villa have shown little fight and Swansea should consider this a guaranteed three points.
Champions come calling
Swansea have a record of picking up good results against Chelsea and the Champions visit Wales on April 9th.
Chelsea, depending on their results between now and then, could be focusing on the cup competitions and it would be a good confidence boost for Guidolin’s side to defeat one of the big boys and give the Liberty Stadium some more positive action.
North-East travels
Its almost certain that Jonjo Shelvey does something ridiculous when Swansea travel to the North-East on the 16th of next month.
Whether it be a red card or a 30 yard belter, Shelvey is the sort of player who gives a reaction in this sort of occasion and this fixture will be pivotal in the relegation battle.
Away to the Cherries
Two points separates these two sides and their fixture this weekend is an opportunity for the Swans to leapfrog Eddie Howe’s side.
With nine games left to play, both sides will think that a couple more wins will guarantee them safety and a victory for either team here will be a huge step in the right direction.
Facing the Potters
Visiting Stoke on April 2nd is sure to be a trip into the lion’s den, as the Potters close in on European qualification.
Stoke have been one of several inconsistent teams in mid-table this season and Swansea would be delighted to take anything away from this fixture.
This game is at the start of a tough run in April and could set the tone for the month.