San Jose Earthquakes - Swansea City: Why backing the in-form MLS side is a shrewd bet

31 Jul 2012 12:00:00

With the Swans still experimenting in pre-season and the Earthquakes flying high in MLS, Phil Kitromilides is predicting a win for the American side

The island of Mallorca is not often synonymous with the welsh city of Swansea. One is a sun-drenched holidayers' paradise with stunning examples of Gothic architecture, and the other, well, is not.

But the arrival of former Mallorca manager Michael Laudrup at the Liberty Stadium has brought with it some exciting signings, with talented centre-back Chico and athletic midfielder Jonathan De Guzman swapping the Mediterranean for South Wales.

Add to that the capture of goal-scoring midfielder Michu from Rayo Vallecano, and Laudrup is beginning to assemble an intriguing squad.

Having lost 2-1 to the Colorado Rapids recently, the Swans continue their American tour with a match against the high-flying San Jose Earthquakes and Paddy Power price the English Premier League side at 6/4 (2.40) for the win.

The team from MLS, meanwhile, are available at the same odds, while the draw is offered at 9/4 (3.25).

With new signings and a new coach, Swansea will need some time to gel into a unit and started extremely slowly in their defeat against the Rapids, conceding twice in the first 14 minutes.

While the Swans are attempting to find cohesion, the Earthquakes currently top the MLS table and recently held Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw.

With all this in mind, taking the price of 6/4 (2.40) on a win for the Earthquakes looks like a smart move, as Michael Laudrup's squad, exciting though it is, will need some time to find its feet and the American side are in-form and extremely difficult to beat.

For a value bet, back the Earthquakes at half time/full time at 7/2 (4.50), which paid out against Swansea in their last match against the Rapids.