Premier League preview: Newcastle United v Swansea City

Newcastle United will be eager to return to winning ways in the English Premier League when they host Swansea City on Saturday.

After a bright start to their campaign, Alan Pardew’s men are winless in their last four outings and are facing an injury crisis in defence.

They conceded four goals in a league game for the first time this season in a 4-2 loss to Norwich City on Saturday, and slipped to seventh on the table as a result.

Sidelined by injury for the clash at Carrow Road were two of their key men in defence – Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor – while Cheick Tiote also missed the match.

Argentine Coloccini would be a welcome return to the heart of defence for the visit of Swansea after full-backs Danny Simpson and James Perch deputised against Norwich, while Tiote could also be in line to come back.

Midfielder Dan Gosling’s second yellow card in the 66th minute with Norwich leading 3-1 made life even harder for Newcastle, despite Demba Ba continuing his excellent form.

The French-born Senegalese striker took his tally to 11 goals this campaign with a brace – an excellent return in his first season at Sports Direct Arena.

Argentine Jonas Gutierrez has also been a standout, and Pardew will be confident of winning at home against mid-table Swansea.

Brendan Rodgers’ side crucially ended a four-game winless run with a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

Striker Danny Graham (five goals this season) scored for the first time in four games when he put away the sealer at Liberty Stadium.

Veteran midfielder Mark Gower, 33, has been a key to helping the Welsh side into 11th, providing five assists.

But Rodgers must find a way to help his team turn around what has been a dismal away record to start the season.

Swansea are yet to win away from home in the Premier League, suffering five defeats and securing two draws in seven trips, while conceding 18 goals.

Defender Alan Tate is closing in on a return from injury, while Spanish full-back Angel Rangel has been ruled out until next year because of an ankle problem.

Swansea’s away woes could be compounded in this encounter, especially if a desperate Newcastle are boosted by the return of Coloccini.