Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Cup match.
A place in the second round is at stake for both sides. Swansea City are a Championship club, while Crawley Town play in League Two. Both have made poor starts to the new season, losing their most recent matches.
Swansea City
Swansea City began their campaign with a home defeat to Middlesbrough (0:1). Going forward, they looked blunt — managing just one shot on target, and that came from a corner. Last season, they scored only 51 goals — their lowest tally in seven years. In the EFL Cup, Swansea City have reached the second round in each of the past two seasons, but last time they were knocked out by Wycombe Wanderers (0:1). This season has also started in worrying fashion, with four straight losses including friendlies, and seven goals conceded. However, they are usually strong at home — ending last season with five wins from their final seven home matches, losing only once.
Crawley Town
Crawley have opened their League Two season with back-to-back defeats. Most recently, they lost to Newport County (1:2), failing to create any real chances and conceding twice in the second half. They have shipped five goals in their first two league games — as many as in their previous five competitive fixtures combined. Since the start of pre-season, Crawley have lost both competitive matches and three friendlies. Away form has been poor, too — six defeats in their last nine competitive away trips, with just one win in that run.
Swansea City vs Crawley Town Prediction
Swansea City are clear favourites here, with home advantage and greater overall quality. However, both sides have shown defensive frailties and inconsistency in attack. Swansea rarely score freely, and with neither team in prolific form, a goal fest looks unlikely.
