O'Neill: The Midas touch

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Sunderland v Swansea City

Under the guidance of new manager Martin O’Neill, Sunderland have surged up the Premier League standings and will fancy their chances at home to Swansea City.

The Black Cats were as low as 17th earlier in the season, but now find themselves in 12th position after losing only one of their last five league ties - a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea last week.

Meanwhile, Swansea are fresh off their recent giant-killing triumph against Arsenal. The Swans beat the Gunners 3-2 last weekend and have climbed up to 10th in the standings after going unbeaten in their last four ties.

In team news, the hosts are expected to be boosted by the return of full-back Wes Brown after he spent three weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury.

However, defenders Matt Kilgallon (ankle), Titus Bramble (Achilles) and midfielder Jack Colback (ankle) remain out of contention.

The Swans could give on-loan Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran his first game, while fellow loanee Gylfi Sigurdsson is also in the mix for a starting berth.