Swansea City vs. Manchester City: Full Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Manchester City heads out on the road in hopes of maintaining its Premier League edge by earning all three points against Swansea City. The Swans on the other hand will be looking to play the role of spoiler, which should provide ample motivation.

The Citizens have been on quite a roll since losing to Everton in late January. They have rattled off four straight league clean-sheet victories to keep their rivals from Manchester United at bay. It's shaping up to be one of the most exciting title chases in a long time.

Swansea enters the clash in good spirits as well after snapping a two-game skid by knocking off Wigan Athletic last weekend. The Swans have a tough schedule down the stretch, so they can't afford to get too comfortable until their Premiership stay is secured.

Where: Liberty Stadium in Swansea, Wales

When: Sunday, March 11 at 10 a.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Plus and FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds: Manchester City -190, Swansea City +530, Draw +275

Player to Watch for Swansea City: Danny Graham

What a season it's been for Graham. After spending his entire career floating around the different levels of English football, he lands with Swansea following the team's promotion and has emerged as the Swans' most consistent offensive threat.

The 26-year-old striker has 10 goals in 25 games. Without his contributions up front, the team would be a lot closer to the relegation zone. So, even though it was a transfer that flew under the radar during a busy summer, it's turned to gold for Swansea.

If the Swans have any chance of picking up at least a draw on Sunday, Graham will need to figure out a way to solve Joe Hart. That's much easier said than done, of course.

Player to Watch for Manchester City: Mario Balotelli

Balotelli is one piece of City's three-headed monster at the striker position. Along with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, Balotelli has helped the team's offense become the EPL's most potent attack at more than 2.5 goals per game.

Each player brings something a little different to the table, which is why the trio is so difficult to stop. Balotelli features terrific pace and a powerful shot. Swansea will need to limit the amount of space it gives him or risk getting burned.

When he's able to focus all of his energy on producing scoring chances instead of letting his temper get the better of him, the Italian star is basically unstoppable.

Key Matchup: Leon Britton vs. David Silva

Britton has been a stabilizing force in the Swans' midfield all season. He doesn't get much notoriety since his name doesn't end up on the score sheet often, but he's willing to play a thankless defensive role. His task is to keep tabs on the opponent's biggest playmaker.

In City's case, that would be Silva. The dynamic Spanish star has 12 assists in 26 league games. Forays into the attacking third which end with a goal by one of the aforementioned strikers usually begin with a pinpoint pass by Silva.

What They're Saying

Swans midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who is on loan from Hoffenheim, wouldn't be opposed to staying with Swansea once his current deal runs out, according to ESPN:

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"I just want to play football. I'm very happy here at the moment and hopefully things will get sorted in the summer,'' the 22-year-old told the South Wales Evening Post.

"I don't know what's going to happen. I'm concentrating on Swansea City and helping them stay in the league. This is what I've dreamed of since a little kid. I've got my chance now and hopefully I can keep on doing well.”

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Mark Fordham of Goal.com says Roberto Mancini should be given more credit for turning City into a Premier League powerhouse:

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The fact that all of these talents can co-exist with one another is also in no small part due to the Italian’s influence and his disciplinarian side.

It is this disciplinarian air that has managed to deal with multiple issues with players such as Carlos Tevez and loveable rogue Balotelli this season without it affecting the team. A lesser manager would have struggled to deal with the issue of a player refusing to play or seemingly one who is a rule unto himself.

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Prediction

Manchester City 3, Swansea City 1