Reaction: Swansea 0-0 West Ham

1. Swansea remain in relegation zone
2. West Ham's third straight goalless draw
3. Watford beat Liverpool 3-0 earlier

And with that we bid you all good night. See you soon, and enjoy Sports Personality of the Year!

'A positive point for us'

West Ham United

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, speaking to BBC Sport: "It's a good point for us. I want to praise my team because they showed great spirit. It was a good collective performance. Exactly what I said when those injuries hit us big time a few weeks ago, was the only way we can compensate is with teamwork. That is exactly what we've done in the last three games. Three clean sheets and three points. I really want to praise the guys. 

"Swansea started well, we didn't and I'm not happy about that. But after 35 minutes we started to press higher, keep the ball better, they had a few chances, we made some great blocks but we had some good situations and chances too

"The draw is a good result. Considering everything, it’s a big question mark - can we play offensively better than today without five really important players for us? That’s why this point is even bigger, it’s a positive point for us."

'We are not a bottom three side'

Swansea City

Swansea City caretaker manager Alan Curtis, speaking to BBC Sport: "I thought we played well. In terms of the possession we looked like the kind of Swansea team we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons, but we possibly lacked a cutting edge up front. We could be more positive in our passing more as well, but I’m sure the chances will come and when they do hopefully we’ll get that bit of luck which we didn’t today, and can that elusive win.

"We said the season started last week for us. At Manchester City we were a lot better, and that today was certainly better than the last few home games. We picked up a point and a clean sheet, it’s just that final third where we need to find that little bit of magic from somebody. I don’t think we are a bottom three side. We are there, but in the quality of the last two performances, whoever does come in will be confident they can lift us up the table.

"For now we have to prepare as normal. We will carry on until the chairman and the board tells us otherwise."

'Payet coming back'

"It is a good point for us and a third clean sheet in a row. They were very good in the first 25 minutes but we showed great character and spirit.

"We are losing some important players on the ball and the only way we can compensate for that loss is through teamwork and defending well and we are doing that.

"Payet, Lanzini, Sakho, Moses, Valencia, Carroll it is a different story with them when we have the ball. The guys who played played very well but it looks like a couple of them could be back soon. We hope that Payet could be back for the Liverpool game."

West Ham play Liverpool on 2 January.

Curtis ready to continue

Swansea City

Swansea caretaker manager Alan Curtis: "We were excellent today. It is the way we have always played over the last seven or eight years.They showed no sign of nerves and responded well to slipping into the bottom three.

"We can all see that we are lacking a cutting edge. At least we looked like a Swansea City team again but we need to find something in the final third. Can we pass it forwards a bit quicker? Perhaps there is a need to do that.

"We could have had a penalty and that is something we need at the moment. If we had gone a goal up we would have relaxed.

"I have to presume that I am in charge for the next few games as time is tight but if someone comes in they will obviously take over."

Swansea remain in the relegation zone after that draw but whoever does come in will surely fancy their chances of steering them upwards and onwards.

You'd rather inherit the Swansea squad than most in the bottom six - wouldn't you?

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One for the defenders that - and also one for shrewd fantasy football managers.

'The goals will come'

reu

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble: "We didn’t really get going today. It’s another draw for us but they are important points for us.

"We have lost a lot of players and to come away to a team with no manager, it’s a good point. Goals will come. We couldn’t stop scoring at the start of the season."

Shot-shy Swans

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"Swansea will be happy with the clean sheet but they dominated all over the park and will be disappointed with only two efforts on target.

"At least they haven't lost thought and they relied on Fabianski to make the best save of the game on Enner Valencia.

"They're in relegation form at the moment and need goals to help them get out of it - Gomis was strong up front today but there wasn't enough threat on goal."

'Two points dropped'

Swansea captain Ashley Williams:"We had all the chances and we feel it is two points dropped. We are happy to keep a clean sheet but we need points.

"We kept the ball better then we have been, it’s what you have come to expect from us over the past few years. We’d all like [a new manager] sooner rather than later but until then we keep going and be professional."

Reuters

Hartson's Hammers verdict

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"West Ham will be a lot happier than Swansea there, they've gone away with a well-earned point as they defended strongly.

"They had a game plan to pack the midfield and James Collins was a rock at the back but they weren't much of a threat up top.

"Yet they will be delighted not to lose given all their injury problems."

West Ham terrifically solid at the back - three 0-0s on the bounce for the first time ever in the league for them.

James Collins was superb.

Reuters

Swansea fans are clapping off their side, and they deserve it. They lacked edge in the final third but plenty of effort and a willingness to play good football.

Possibly also a thanks to caretaker boss Alan Curtis.

FULL-TIME

Reuters

Well done if you made it all the way through that one.

One for the defenders among us that.

Hope fades

Ian Brown

BBC football commentator on 5 live

"I'm not optimistic about a winning goal coming here..."

Enner Valencia is a man who knows how to sum up 90 minutes in three seconds. He donks a terrible shot all kinds of wide. Superb.

A Dyer showing

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"I know it's hypothetical but this game would've really suited Nathan Dyer - Swansea let him go to Leicester and this is the type of game that would suit him down to the ground with his pace off the bench.

"I just can't understand why they let him go - we were talking about him breaking into the England squad a couple of years ago, that's how good he was at Swansea."

This game has been plenty Dyer in other ways though John...sorry.

Reuters

There'll be four minutes of injury time. And then it'll be over, I promise.

West Ham have never drawn three games 0-0 successively in their league history...

...that's about to change.

I almost don't want a goal in this game now, because that would give this match a billing it does not deserve.

Real hogging the goals?

Don't think it works like that Ralph...although... 

For those that missed it Real Madrid trashed Rayo Vallecano 10-2 earlier and you can read Emlyn Begley's report here.

YELLOW CARD

Carl Jenkinson, seconds after coming on, gets a yellow card for dissent after a disagreement over a throw-in.

It's been that sort of game.

James Collins, the best player on the pitch today, meets a West Ham corner but it spins over.

The type of season this is so far, West Ham will probably nick this.

James Tomkins has just come close. His shot was heading for the bottom corner before a Swansea boot got in the way.

The Hammers bring on Carl Jenkinson for Michail Antonio.

Collins the rock

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

Rex Features

"James Collins has been a absolute rock for West Ham - he's made tackles and thrown himself in front of everything.

"He's a little bit lucky though not to have conceded a penalty - people will argue about it when they see the incident but it does hit his hand."

SUBSTITUTION

Andre Ayew makes way for Swansea. On comes Modou Barrow.

Gomis goes walkabout

Ian in Swansea: Gomis? Offside? Shurely some mistake #atleast10timeseverygame

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James Collins heads a Swansea corner clear, and then he's straight back up to charge down a shot.

He's been good today has the Welshman (despite his hoodwinkery earlier).

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But if you look away now Jason there will definitely be a cracking finale.

'Definitely'

Great chance for Swansea. Bafetimbi Gomis chases Jonjo Shelvey's long ball (yes, he was onside). Adrian gets there first but his clearance falls to Gylfi Sigurdsson 20 yards out. With Adrian stranded, he should have hit the target, but instead hits a defender.

Sustained Hammers pressure now. Angelo Ogbonna, up for a corner, sees his shot deflect wide.

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That's twice in quick succession the striker has strayed behind the West Ham defensive line.

But this is a good effort. It's for West Ham.

Enner Valencia cuts in from the left and his right-foot shot is tipped over by Lukasz Fabianski.

Swansea work it from left to right and Gylfi Sigurdsson nudges it to Kyle Naughton, who runs up to the ball like a man whop is about to spank it wide from 25 yards.

Guess what happens...

Brighter from West Ham

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"It was a good move from West Ham, Cresswell does well down the left-hand side and looks to whip it in but puts it straight into Fabianski's hands."

SUBSTITUTION

West Ham take off Alex Song and bring on Pedro Obiang.

Swansea replace Jack Cork with Jonjo Shelvey.

Reuters

A rare West Ham attack and it's nicely worked. Alex Song puts Aaron Cresswell away down the left. It's a good, low cross that Lukasz Fabianski claims ahead of Michail Antonio. The keeper gets clattered for his trouble.

Christmas wishes

Elliott: I'd quite like a few West Ham wins for Christmas, but if the game is as boring as you reckon I'll be stuck wishing for (Carlton) Coal

Geddit?

I have more scouting notes on Bafetimbi Gomis. He's offside. A lot. I mean, like nearly all the time.

Ta ta tiki taka?

The debate about possession football hots up into a rant...

Nick in Burnley: You can't say It was just tiki taka that won Spain and barca everything, it was the quality of players, Barcelona of new prove that with they're exciting borderline counter attacking football , it's the same high quality players that are achieving the end result. Tiki taka has proved to be self pressurising as it causes frustration to the fans when other teams are smart and play compact. Rant over.

I've just been handed this stat, which makes my heart sink:

Swansea have had the most shots in a PL game since October (14 also v Stoke where they didn't score).

SUBSTITUTION

Angel Rangel has been struggling for a few minutes so Swansea will make a switch at right-back. On comes Kyle Naughton.

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We've descended into farce...

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales at the Liberty Stadium

"The second half is taking a while to ignite, but that stupendous volley from Jack Cork - well saved by Adrian - might just do it.

"Up until then, the best touch of the half had come from Swansea caretaker manager Alan Curtis, deftly flicking the ball to Angel Rangel so the Swans full-back could take a throw-in.

"Curtis may be 61 but, as I can testify from the annual match between Swansea's staff and members of the media, the former Wales forward has still got it."

Collins confusion

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"James Collins has gone down holding his head but it was kidology - it hit him on the arm!

"That's not like Collins - it should have been a penalty.

"Why is he still holding his head? Ah he was caught by Ki on the follow through, who came down heavily on Collins."

Swansea have a bit more zip about them now and the home fans sense it, The noise is lifting. I'm certain we'll get a goal.

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The season of goodwill to all men eh?

Well Ki's shot definitely hit Collins's hand. It's point-blank and at first glance you think he's got no chance of getting out of the way. But the more I watch the more it looks like his hands are right up in the air.

Collins by the way held his head afterwards, as if he was in pain after it struck him on the cranium. Crafty boy.

Reuters

Adrian follows up that super save by flapping at the corner. His defenders help him out.

The pace has lifted.

Ki Sung-yueng is through and James Collins dives in front of the shot from six yards. Handball though?

Great shot, great save

Ian Brown

BBC football commentator on 5 live

"What a strike it was from Jack Cork and an equally good save from Adrian, no wonder he's being congratulated by all his defenders."

GREAT SAVE!

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We've woken up a bit now.

Jack Cork hits a sweet as you like volley from the edge of the area that Adrian stops from flying into the top corner.

SUBSTITUTION

Mauro Zarate off. Enner Valencia on for West Ham.

Swansea have two shots. Andre Ayew's is blocked.

Ki Sung-yueng's is prevented from moving after it hits a West Ham player.

I'm aware that's the same as a block but I wanted to liven things up.

Subdued Swansea

The toilets at Kings Cross only cost 30p too, unlike a ticket to the Liberty.

Still a rip-off that though isn't it?

Michail Antonio runs forward down the wing. It goes out for a throw-in.

That's all I've got I'm afraid.

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Is Pinocchio really on? Or are you telling porkies?

Bit of Disney banter there for you.

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This is pretty dull.

So, what's everyone hoping to get for Christmas?

Ta ta tiki taka?

G S Webster: #bbcfootball Tika taka is great when done properly. English sides are much better at faffing around, or to borrow a phrase, Fiffa faffa.

Lewis Keefe: Tiki taka is quick safe short passes that keeps play compact by pressing to the halfway line. Need attacking players to work #bbcfootball

Timothy Jarvis: #bbcfootball#TikiTaka The number of successful passes made can't be irrelevant. It's like body blows in boxing, wears your opponent down.

Wouldn't mind some tiki taka type attacking in this game to be honest...

West Ham string some passes together. Unfortunately one of them is into the hoardings.

Reuters

West Ham want a penalty as Ashley Williams handles the ball while falling over. I'd let him off, namely because he's falling over. The ref agrees.

More shots required

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"West Ham are making it difficult for Swansea by sitting in and don't really seem interested in going forward

"Alan Curtis will have told Swansea at half-time that for all their build-up play they've got to get more efforts in on goal."

Bafetimbi Gomis wriggles away from James Tomkins like a slippery fish on the edge of the area. His shot is awful. But he was offside anyway. He will pretend he knew.

Ta ta tiki taka?

In the absence of goals at the Liberty Stadium, the debate over tiki taka goes on...

Andy: Re: Anthony Cocazza (see below) - The 2 best teams in the world by far (Barca and Bayern), along with the best 2 teams in the PL (City and Arsenal) dominate the ball and possession. Obviously we should conclude it doesn't work...

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West Ham's James Collins thumps the ball into the stands. A few Swansea fans react a bit disgruntled - it might have something to do with Collins's Cardiff connections.

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Yeah, sure! Here you go:

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KICK-OFF

Swansea start the second half. Please let it be better. Please!

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales at the Liberty Stadium

PA

Swansea have controlled possession and territory in this first half, much to the loud approval of their vocal supporters.

Their domination has yielded little in the way of clear scoring opportunities but, after the dismal 3-0 defeat to Leicester in their last home match, the Swans' fans seem thankful for a solid start to this game.

West Ham might want to consider upping the ante - their manager Slaven Bilic cuts a fearsome figure barking orders at his players from the touchline.

A Hammer writes...

Bit of half-time encouragement from Hammers midfielder Diego Poyet.

A goal would be most welcome eh Diego?

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A hard slog in that first half for Nikica Jelavic. These are all his touches. They were as frequent as Christmases.

Reuters

There's been about as much action on the touchline as there has on the pitch to be honest.

'West Ham don't look like scoring'

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"It's not been a great spectacle to be honest but it's been pretty much all Swansea without them creating that much in front of the West Ham goal.

"For West Ham, the effort has been there and Alex Song is working his socks off in the middle of the park.

"But West Ham really don't look like they can score, they have no danger up front."

Ta ta tiki taka?

I'm enjoying that you guys have decided to just have a decent little debate among yourselves.

Boris: 'Tiki Taka nonsense'? Is that what that useless mob from Barcelona used to play on their way to winning almost everything a club side can win?

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HALF-TIME

This annoys me.

The referee waits for what seems like the whole of Advent for West Ham to take a free-kick, and blows his half-time whistle as soon as it's taken.

JUST BLOW IT BEFORE!

Anyway. It's goalless. Get yourself a cuppa.

Swansea back on track?

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

AP

"Swansea have almost been back to their best in terms of their build-up play, pressing and passing.

"But once they've got into and around the box they've not had that quality in terms of finishing.

"This improvement is a bit like Chelsea yesteday - it tends to happen when a caretaker comes in or a club is looking for a new manager, the players are all trying to impress."

West Ham can definitely cause problems on the break. Cheikhou Kayate is released down the right and it's a tasty, low cross that comes in. Nikica Jelavic can't get on to it though.

Swansea misfiring

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"It's great play from Gomis, but Ayew's just scuffed it wide.

"Great build up play from Swansea but, again, no shot on Adrian's goal."

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Oh here we go, this is better. Ki Sung-yueng nods it down, it's helped on by Bafetimbi Gomis to Andre Ayew charging into the area. It's hit crisply, but into the side netting.

Ta ta tiki taka?

Darren in Runcorn: Re: Anthony Cocazza (see below) - The irony is tiki taka is great to watch...unless it's your own team. It's 'easy' to keep the ball but pointless unless you're creating chances and scoring goals.

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Reuters

Swansea's Ki Sung-yueng hammers one from 20 yards. Thud. Right into the back of Angelo Ogbonna.

This game needs something. Or, if that's not possible, I could do with a drink.

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Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis absolutely loves to turn his man with his first touch.

I'd put that in my scouting notes if anybody ever asked for my scouting notes.

Changing tide

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"West Ham are sneaking back into this game very slowly, it was a good effort by Zarate but it was always just going wide despite Fabianski's save."

Good spell for the Hammers. Lukasz Fabianski punches a corner to the edge of the area and James Collins gets a shot away after sorting his feet out, but it deflects wide.

West Ham's Alex Song is having a few words with Leon Britton. The Swansea midfielder caught him with a tackle - there's a sniff of two-footedness about it. 

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Just the 80% possession for Swansea so far. Not enough to show for it though.

And West Ham show that stats are all lies anyway as Mauro Zarate spanks one from the crner of the area that Lukasz Fabianski palms wide.

Bale brilliance

EPA

No goals yet at the Liberty Stadium but one Welshman is certainly enjoying his Sunday as Gareth Bale has just scored his fourth goal.

Real Madrid are currently 8-2 up against Rayo Vallecano in a truly astonishing game that saw five goals and two red cards in the first half an hour alone.

You can follow that game on our live text here.

Good point Anthony.

What about passing accuracy, does that matter?

Swansea's passing accuracy - 92%. West Ham's is 59.6%.  

Ta ta tiki taka?

Anthony Cocazza: I think what we have learned from this season is that the number of passes made is irrelevant. It is what you do with the ball that counts. Tiki taka nonsense is no more.

Tweet using #bbcfootball, or text on 81111 (UK only and please include a name). 

There's one problem with being super fancy and playing lots of nice passes - you're more likely to get caught out at the back.

That's exactly what happens to Angel Rangel, who gives it to Nikica Jelavic. Mark Noble is given it but shoots wide.

Hammers missing Carroll

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"The injury to Andy Carroll is a big blow to West Ham, they're really missing him here.

"He's so powerful in the air, but he's also got good feet."

Swansea take a really nice looking corner, as Gylfi Sigurdsson plays a one-two with Ki Sung-yeung to get in the area and to the byeline. But he tonks his pull-back and it clears everyone.

Swansea come again and Batefimbi Gomis lays it off for Ki - it's a good effort but Adrian saves well at his near post.

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No surprises here, but Swansea's average position so far is much more advanced than the Hammers. Although the West Ham full-backs have been a little bit adventurous.

Sturridge struggles

Miss Watford's victory over Liverpool earlier? The Reds were well short of attacking threat in the absence of Daniel Sturridge.

And football journalist Nick Miller points out a grim stat for Sturridge and Liverpool fans alike following today's game.

Regardless of whether they're low on confidence or not, Swansea are admirably playing the only way they know how. On the floor, short and sharp.

West Ham's Mauro Zarate is on the floor after a good tackle from Jack Cork. Zarate looks in all sorts of pain - until he doesn't win a free-kick, at which point he's up like a jack in the box.

Andre Ayew picks a delicate little throughball for Bafetimbi Gomis to chase. He fails to gather it in, but would have been offside anyway.

Noble for England?

Jon: It baffles me why Mark Noble isnt called up for England. One of the most consistent, underrated + passionate PL performers but is continually ignored.

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Divided loyalties for Hartson?

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on 5 live

"Don't ask me who I'm supporting today - Swansea are my hometown club and I used to play for West Ham so I'm sitting firmly on the fence.

"Oh ok then it's Swansea, you always support your hometown club, but I do keep an eye out for all my former clubs."

Not on the fence for long there John!

West Ham make yards now and Mauro Zarate works some space on the edge of the area,but his shot lodges firmly into the chest of Lukasz Fabianski.

Swansea have made 131 passes so far, West Ham have made 34.

There's definitely much more of a direct feel to West Ham. It's giving Swansea the chance to build from the back whenever they feel the whim.

They just need the final delivery.

And here's a fella at the Liberty who knows a few things about deliveries.

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Rijkaard to Swansea?

Now then Swansea fans, how about another European football great as your next manager? And what if he brought a Brazilian legend with him?

A tad unlikely perhaps but Lewis has a interesting suggestion...

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In the blink of an eye a shed load of rain has started to fall down.

And West Ham have a corner - but Ashley Williams heads it clear.

First good chance.

Andre Ayew beats his own team-mate Bafetimbi Gomis to a header from Neil Taylor's cross, but it loops just over.

Reuters

Sung-yeung Ki is given the chance to run into a ton of space down the left after a pass from Leon Britton, but the opportunity goes with a poor touch.

The Swans are being ball hoggers. West Ham chasing shadows. Bafetimbi Gomis turns James Collins on the halfway line with the grace of a Christmas angel.

Swansea get a corner and are piling on the pressure.

Turn and shot from Bafetimbi Gomis, holding off Angelo Ogbonna, but it's a tight angle and is wide of the near post.

Now Swansea looking like the Swansea we've to know. Pinging it between themselves for a dozen passes or so. It finally goes down the right channel but it's too deep.

A start without fluency so far. West Ham seeing more of the ball, but very much in harmless positions.

KICK-OFF

Reuters

As the sky gets darker and darker in Wales, let's hope the Swans and the Hammers can brighten things up for us.

West Ham get us under way.

BBC Radio 5 Live

You can join John Hartson and friends for live commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 live, or click the Live Coverage tab on this page and you can listen without having to even fire up the wireless.

There's also BBC London commentary on there too.

Mark Lawrenson

BBC football expert

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Mark Lawrenson, our prince of predictions, foreseer of football, overlord of outcomes, has cast his all-seeing eye over this one.

"I looked at how well Swansea played against Manchester City last week and thought 'where has that come from?'

"Their tactics were no different to when Garry Monk was in charge, apart from they all had a go.

"If they do the same again on Sunday then I actually quite fancy the Swans to win this time."

He's gone for a 2-0 win for the Welsh side.

Think you know better? Prove it byplaying our predictor game right here.

Confident Slaven

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic refuses to blame a run of six games without a win on the mounting injury list:

"I am really pleased with the way we have coped without our injured players. The bonding, the quality and the character we have showed are positive, of course, so I'm really confident for Sunday's game.

"If we keep that kind of team spirit when these players start to come back, it's all very positive, but we have to go through this period of two or three games without them." 

PA

On that West Ham injured list currently are:

Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet. 

Alistair Mann

MOTD commentator at Anfield

Reuters

"Last week's heart-breaking defeat at Manchester City effectively summed up Swansea's recent fortunes.

"Five defeats in the last six games points to a side lacking in self-belief, yet at the Etihad they moved the ball around with typical swagger, created good chances and on another day would have left with at least a point. That Joe Hart was the hosts' man of the match says a great deal.

"It proved that caretaker boss Alan Curtis can be safely entrusted with team responsibilities as the club moves closer to securing Garry Monk's replacement.

"Intriguingly, visitors West Ham are also without a victory in their last six games, yet with most of their best displays coming on their travels, they will represent awkward opponents for a Swansea side without a home win since August."

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Move for Morais?

PA

But there are reports abound that Bielsa is cooling on the idea of taking up a post in South Wales.

So, if he is, who else is there?

Well Jose Morais, one of Jose Mourinho's former coaches at Chelsea, has emerged as a serious contender.

The Portuguese has worked with Mourinho numerous times and left Stamford Bridge alongside his manager last week.

El Loco?

Google you say, Mr Curtis? What a good idea.

I've given it a go, here are the search engine's suggestions.

Google

Hmmm. 'Marcelo Bielsa West Ham' is popular. It seems the Argentine was a contender to replace Sam Allardyce at the Hammers, but that honour went to Slaven Bilic.

Anyway, there's more....

EPA

You've met the Special One.

We're acquainted with the Normal One.

Now there's El Loco - the Crazy One.

It's apparently the nickname Marcelo Bielsa has picked up, and this could be why: he reportedly once came out of his house to face an angry mob of Newell's Old Boys fans brandishing a hand grenade.

'I've been Googling'

Here's what Swansea caretaker manager Alan Curtis has said about Marcelo Bielsa this week:

"Obviously I know his reputation.

"But I don't know a great deal about him, so I have been Googling him.

"When a new manager comes in, you're never quite sure how he's going to react or how he deals with players, training and the staff.

"But Bielsa's reputation as a coach is fantastic, and if Pep Guardiola rates him as the best coach ever then he's obviously somebody you're bound to learn from." 

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Who will be the next Swansea boss?

Alan Curtis will take charge of his second, and in all likelihood, final Swansea game as caretaker today, with an appointment expected soon.

And as Dafydd says, all week the front runner to replace Garry Monk has been Marcelo Bielsa.

Here's some information on him organised in a graphic that should be pleasing to the eye.

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Who do you want to be your next boss Swansea fans?

Are West Ham just suffering a blip or leveling out?

Get in touch by using #bbcfootball or text us on 81111 (UK only).

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales at the Liberty Stadium

"As Swansea City’s search for a new manager continues, caretaker boss Alan Curtis takes charge of his second game as West Ham visit the Liberty Stadium today.

"Swans chairman Huw Jenkins was in South America last week as he looks for a successor to Garry Monk and, as a result of his travels, his usual column is missing in today’s match programme.

"Former Argentina and Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa is still being tipped to take over but, as Swansea’s search drags on, things seem uncertain at the Liberty."

Who's doing worse?

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Here are some bullet points. They suggest that both teams could lose today, if that were indeed possible:

• Swansea have not won in six games
• Swansea have lost five of their last six
• Swansea have won once in 12 Premier League games
• Swansea have not won at home since August
• West Ham have not won in six games
• West Ham have drawn their last two games 0-0
• West Ham have never won at the Liberty Stadium (D2 L1)

No start for Jonjo

Getty Images

There had been a suggestion that Jonjo Shelvey could return for Swansea today, after a spell out with a calf injury.

Conspiracy theorists have come up with other reasons why the England midfielder has not been in the squad recently - you can research those yourselves.

He's on the bench.

No Wayne Routledge in the squad at all. We'll try and find out if that's an injury.

Enner is inner

Reuters

A quick glance at the West Ham bench makes happy reading for West Ham fans.

Enner Valencia played the final 25 minutes against Stoke last week after being out since early November, and he's in the squad again.

But no Andy Carroll because of a groin problem. Unlike him to be injured, to be fair.

West Ham line-up

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West Ham XI: Adrian, Tomkins, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Noble, Song, Antonio, Kouyate, Zarate, Jelavic  

Subs: Randolph, Jenkinson, Oxford, Cullen, Hendrie, Obiang, Valencia  

Swansea line-up

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Swansea XI: Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Williams (C), Taylor, Britton, Cork, Ki, Sigurdsson, Ayew, Gomis

Subs: Nordfeldt, Naughton, Amat, Shelvey, Barrow, Montero, Emnes  

Team news

Here's a quick flash of team news before I give you the full starting XIs.

Bafetimbi Gomis is in for Swansea, replacing Wayne Routledge in their only change.

And just the one change for West Ham too, with injured striker Andy Carroll out and Nikica Jelavic in for his first Hammers start.

A tasty encounter?

PA

Are you licking your lips in anticipation of this one?

If you're not, you should be. I'd list all the reasons why but I don't have the time, space, money or imagination to come up with them.

All you need to know is that Swansea could haul themselves out of the drop zone with a win (OK, they'd have to win 5-0).

And West Ham could go into the top four with a win (OK, they can't. I made it up and I'm sorry).

So maybe not much will change in the Premier League after this one, but it will DEFINITELY be a brilliant game.

Welcome to our live page for Swansea v West Ham United. We’ll have Radio 5 live, local radio and text commentary here from 15:30 GMT. You can keep up to date with all the build-up to Watford v Liverpool here from 12:15 GMT.