Swansea City goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. (Photo : Getty Images)
Last season's middling team Swansea City AFC (1-0-0, 3 points) will look to continue their good start in the 2016-2017 Premier League season as they face newly-promoted squad Hull City AFC (1-0-0, 3 points) at the Liberty Stadium on August 20, Saturday.
Swansea City is coming off a 1-0 nipping of another newly-promoted club, last term's Football League Championship winners Burnley, last Saturday at the latter's Turf Moor, BBC Sport reported.
The winning goal was tapped in by midfielder Leroy Fer off a rebound with eight minutes left before full time to help head coach Francesco Guidolin's side earn a victory to open the new season.
Newly-acquired striker Fernando Llorente started the game at the center-forward spot and unleashed a strong header that was blocked by Burnley keeper Tom Heaton. Heaton could not control the ball and the rebound was picked up by Fer for the winner.
Llorente and center back Federico Fernandez each had a chance inside the six-yard box earlier in the game to break the deadlock, but they were denied by the Clarets' defense both times.
Still, Guidolin will take the win and use it as momentum against another tough promoted side in Hull City.
The Tigers pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset over reigning English top flight champions Leicester City at their own KC Stadium also last Saturday to begin their Premier League campaign with a bang, as per SkySports.
Norwegian striker Adama Diomande opened the scoring during the first half stoppage time for the hosts to put them ahead by one point at the break.
The Foxes were quick to recover and scored the equalizer two minutes into the second half with a successful penalty kick from midfielder Riyad Mahrez.
However, Hull City took back the lead again with a strong shot from winger Robert Snodgrass from the edge of the box past veteran goalie Kasper Schmeichel to put down the defending champions and take their first three points this term.
It would be a tough fight between the Swans and Tigers, but the more experienced side is favored to prevail. Hull City could pull off another upset, but Guidolin's boys are prepared not to take them lightly in this one.
The predicted result is a close 1-0 decision for Swansea City.
Swansea City starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Amat, Kingsley; Cork, Britton, Fer; Barrow, Llorente, Routledge
Hull City starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Jakupovic; Elmohamady, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Meyler, Huddlestone, Clucas; Snodgrass, Hernandez, Diomande
