I'll be the first to admit I wasn't certain when Paul Clement was announced as our new manager, akin to many of our fans, but he has done a fantastic job since his appointment securing victories over Liverpool and Southampton in a matter of weeks - next target is Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola has finally shown his true colours at City and dropped his chosen Goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, and his talismanic striker, Sergio Aguero, in favour of what he believes is a more balanced side with bags of experience and youthful exuberance.
Pull the other one Pep - even though the Etihad is hardly ever near capacity; the fans that do show up will be baying for blood if Aguero misses another game and it would just happen to the Swans who are the opponents for what many City fans believe to be judgement day.
Let's face it, we're on a great run at the moment despite conceding in both of our last two games. There's a real belief about the team that can't be ignored; we'll score more than our opponents and that's that. It reminds me of Brian Clough and Sir Alex Ferguson's managerial style - keep attacking and you'll score more than you concede: Simple.
Only Jefferson Montero is missing for us against City but the winger might not be missed too much as Clement is inevitably going to field the same team that looked so comfortable in possession against Southampton - Sigurdsson from the left has breathed new life into his distribution which wasn't exactly lacking before the wide shift.
Do I honestly believe we can beat Man City? Yes. The Liverpool game proves we can compete with these so called 'bigger clubs' and money won't buy City an easy ride against an in form Swans team.
My biggest concern is the injury risk to the likes of Wayne Routledge and Ki who will no doubt come face to face with Fernandinho in City's midfield - a player who's been sent off three times in six games isn't someone I'd like to be trying to beat; he'll jab his studs right in at our quicker players and we all know full well he will.
I'm going to back a draw here - City are playing poorly and we're on a brilliant run but I have a feeling the Manchester side will peg us back eventually. I've been wrong several times before but I'm going for realism here.
If anyone is attending the game and has a spare seat; please let us know in the comments and we'll try and make sure everyone who wants to go gets there.
Sunday 5 February 2017
Tuesday 31 January 2017
Swans v Southampton Preview
Paul Clement will be
ruing the fact that the Swans didn’t play at the weekend to try and maintain
the positivity drawn from the win over Liverpool but plenty of rest will no
doubt see his side in better shape than tonight’s opponents Southampton who have
been in cup action throughout the last week.
Mixed fortunes for the visitors tonight; a nail biting two
leg tie with Liverpool ending in victory and a place in the EFL Cup final and
then total collapse as Arsenal romped to a 5-0 win over the Saints – Ouch!
Where does that leave us? Well, I’d say in pole position
frankly. Our defensive frailties are still cause for concern but Clement has
instilled a classic managerial belief into the team: if they score, we’ll just
score more.
Great news as Fernando Llorente looks set to stay, at least
until the summer, and Luciano Narsingh stands a good chance of making his debut
– albeit from the bench most likely. Ki Sung-Yueng is back after a calf problem
but both Leon Britton and the exciting Oli McBurnie both miss out.
Plenty of injury worries for Southampton but one key name is
still absent for the Saints. Virgil Van Dijk, the highly rated and much talked
about centre back, is set to miss out yet again with an ankle injury meaning
Llorente might find a bit more space in the air than he might’ve been
expecting.
Claude Puel clearly wasn’t interested in an FA Cup run this
season as he made 10 changes to the side that beat Liverpool in the EFL Cup for
the trip to the Emirates – does that mean he’s pushing for a decent finish in
the league? Does that mean his side are good enough to beat us? Who knows!
Last time out, in the reverse fixture, Southampton won by a
single goal that seems to be a regular occurrence between us and the Saints.
The last three meetings at the Liberty have ended 1-0 to Southampton but
tonight’s the night that changes surely?
My favourite fact for today? Paul Clement has already
equalled Bradley’s tally of wins and it’s taken him just three games to do it –
stick that in your pipe Bradders; we’ll never know quite why you were ever
appointed!
I’m thinking 2-1 tonight. I can’t see us keeping a clean
sheet because frankly Shane Long is a lethal forward on his day but I don’t
believe Southampton are playing well enough to stop us scoring more than they
manage – I’ve been wrong before but I’m feel good about this one.
Friday 27 January 2017
Transfer Watch: Four Days to Go
With the Transfer
Window closing fast; I thought it best to take a look at who could be coming,
going or staying in the next few days for Swansea City. There are a few stories
doing the rounds in the papers that are of particular interest; but how true
they are remains to be seen:
Wayne Routledge
Birmingham City might’ve speculatively approached one of our
more senior players but Wayne Routledge has committed himself to Swansea by
signing a new two and a half year deal that will see him through to 2019.
20 goals in 204 games for Swansea might not seem like a
great return but, as a player who’s been with us since 2011, it was vital to
Clement’s cause that he secure Routledge’s services moving forwards.
Modou Barrow
A player who tends to be something of a forgotten man
despite appearing 14 times to date this season; winger Modou Barrow is on the
radar of Newcastle United according to their manager Rafa Benitez.
I doubt Barrow will make the move given he has been labelled
a back up option if Newcastle fail to tempt Andros Townsend back to the club
and he is currently plying his trade in the Premier League not the
Championship.
Newcastle may be favourites to secure promotion this season
but that probably won’t be enough to convince Barrow to make the move to St
James’ Park.
John Terry
Not necessarily a transfer rumour; instead the opinion of
former Swansea winger Leighton James. Alfie Mawson has impressed since coming
to Swansea but he needs someone with Terry’s level of experience to give him the
knowledge to compete at the highest.
Wages would no doubt be a concern as our pay structure
wouldn’t allow for us to pay anywhere near all of Terry’s exorbitant salary but
if Antonio Conte is serious about allowing Terry to leave the club on loan then
we should definitely lodge a bid – we do miss the commanding presence of Ashley
Williams something rotten.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Obviously, our talismanic midfielder will be linked with a
raft of clubs repeatedly during any transfer window and this January has been
no different.
The story has broken thanks to Dimitri Payet’s stubborn
attitude towards his current employers: West Ham United. The Hammers are set to
sign Robert Snodgrass from Hull City this week and Sigurdsson has been
identified as the ideal creative partner for the Scottish midfielder.
I can’t see it happening personally. Even if we do get
relegated this season, Sigurdsson has learned his lesson about playing for
other clubs in England – his dismal spell at Tottenham will live long in his
memory for certain.
The Future's Bright: Under 23's to Watch
With the Checkatrade
Trophy out of our younger stars’ minds; they will no doubt be looking to
impress Paul Clement in the hopes of gaining regular first team football. Some
have already made their Premier League bows but who should you be keeping an
eye out for in the coming weeks?
Mark Birighitti
Anyone who’s ever watch the Australian A-League will be more
than familiar with one of our leading reserve ‘keepers. Five appearances thus
far for the Under 23’s has seen Birighitti keep two clean sheets and the 25
year old stands a good chance of usurping Kristoffer Nordfeldt of his place on
the bench in the near future.
Aaron Lewis
A very cultured defender with a knack for getting forward;
Aaron Lewis reminds me very much of Luke Shaw in his early first team years at
Southampton. Lewis is a big fan of Roberto Carlos and has clearly modelled much
of his playing style on the legendary Brazilian. His overlapping runs and incredibly
accurate crossing make him perfect back up for the recently arrived Martin
Olsson.
Lewis even has family ties to the Busby Babes. His uncle is
Kenny Morgans; the last survivor rescued from the plane wreckage in 1958 –
clearly the 18 year old comes with strong pedigree.
George Byers
Formerly of Watford, Scottish midfielder George Byers has
been a star turned in Swansea City’s Under 23 squad. Five goals in eleven
appearances from midfield this season will no doubt have Paul Clement interested
in giving Byers his debut for the club – he has made his professional debut for
Watford in the past but only as a substitute against Charlton.
A free transfer with an eye for goal and superb distribution
make George Byers a great option moving forward – it only takes one injury to a
first team midfielder and Byers will be included without doubt.
Oli McBurnie
Probably the pick of the bunch in the Under 23’s – Oli
McBurnie has had a busy career already and he’s only 20 years old. Starting out
at Bradford City; McBurnie has had loan spells at Chester, Newport County and
Bristol Rovers but has been retained by the club this season and made his debut
in the EFL Cup game against Peterborough; scoring twice in the game.
McBurnie has scored 10 in 10 appearances for the Under 23’s
and is knocking hard on the door of Paul Clement’s Premier league squad – it won’t
be long before we’re all singing his name and hoping the club can keep hold of
such a prolific talent.
CheckaTrade Trophy: Brave Swans Out on Penalties
Since the start of
the season; the newly formatted Checkatrade Trophy has seen development squads
included for the first time in the competitions history – for those who’ve been
keeping an eye out – you’ll be more than aware of just how well our Under 21’s
squad have done in the competition.
A tense quarter final against Coventry saw our younger lads
tumble out of the Checkatrade Trophy on penalties but it has to be noted just
how well they’ve performed throughout the course of the cup. The last 16 was a
nail biter of a contest as the Swansea Under 21’s hosted Wolverhampton
Wanderers development squad and eased past them to set up a quarter final tie
with League One Coventry City.
3,300 fans were in attendance at the Liberty Stadium as a
strong Coventry XI took to the field in the hope of beating Gary Richards and
Cameron Toshack’s young squad. The Swans team included Jay Fulton, who has made
10 Premier League appearances this season so far, along with highly rated
midfielder trio Alex Bray, Owain Jones and Ryan Blair.
Swansea also included Gerhard Tremmel as the only overage
player in the team; the German goalkeeper is finding his chances limited in the
first team despite his advancing years; he’s 38 now but has provided a solid
base for the team in the Checkatrade Trophy.
It was a nervy game against Coventry despite them taking
advantage of the competition’s ruling that they need only field five first team
players. Four changes from the side that faced Fleetwood at the weekend meant
some younger players were afforded their opportunity to shine but it wasn’t a
stellar performance by any stretch of the imagination.
Chances were few and far between for both sides but the
young Swans had the better of the play for the most part. Tyler Reid swung a
dangerous cross in not long after kick off but Coventry’s ‘keeper cut it out
before any harm could be done. Owain Jones dropped an equally threatening cross
after 20 minutes but Coventry withstood the pressure.
Highly rated Swans forward Oli McBurnie saw a golden opportunity
deflected over the bar just before half time as neither side could break the
deadlock.
The second half got underway and almost sent the Swans fans
into a frenzy as McBurnie thrashed a shot from close range but Charles-Cook in
the Coventry goal denied him yet again. Finally, the breakthrough came as Alex
Bray worked his way into the box only to be toppled by Coventry’s Ryan Haynes –
Oli McBurnie confidently dispatched the resulting penalty: 1-0 Swans.
In true Swans style; the young lads continued to press as
they looked to extend their advantage but the excitement seemed to get to them
five minutes before the final whistle. A dubious foul saw Coventry in a
glorious position and George Thomas’ lofted delivery found striker Jordan
Willis: 1-1 and penalties followed.
Disappointingly, only Aaron Lewis and George Byers were able
to convert their penalties with Botti Biabi and Ryan Blair both giving the ‘keeper
too much of an indication of where they were aiming their spot kicks. Tremmel
failed to save any of Coventry’s penalties and the young Swans crashed out of
the Checkatrade Trophy 4-2.
Despite a disappointing result, the Swans development squad
can hold their heads high as Quarter Finalists and the last remaining Under 21’s
squad in the competition. The future is bright for Swansea and it’s arriving at
precisely the right moment as Paul Clement seeks fresh talent from the
development squad to bolster his team for the Premier League relegation battle.
Monday 23 January 2017
Thank God I Was Wrong - VICTORY!
Who says that
pessimism doesn’t help a club succeed? Well, Paul Clement for one! An
unbelievable reversal of fortunes saw the Swans triumph over Liverpool at
Anfield for the first time ever in the league and give the new manager his
first Premier League win since taking over – what a way to do it eh?
There are a lot of talking points to discuss but one key
factor, for me, was the performance of Fernando Llorente. The Spaniard has been
linked all month with a move away from Swansea but put on a show that made it
clear that his future lies with us – a massive relief!
The first half was typically casual by both sides and there
was little to shout about save for Tom Carroll’s 20th minute effort
crashing against the post; it would’ve been some debut if his shot had avoided
Dejan Lovren. Not long before Carroll’s effort, Jordan Henderson picked out
Emre Can and the German was given far too much space to pick his header;
thankfully it was an atrocious effort that spun over the bar.
And, of course, let’s not forget Adam Lallana firmly
believing he’s a better footballer than his overall performances suggest.
Lallana’s overhead effort ended up so far into the stands I’d be surprised if
the ball made it back onto the pitch…
The first half defensive display was actually very promising
overall. Far less errors to mention and the back line looked organised – I can’t
help but think Martin Olsson’s experience has given structure to the back four.
The second half really kicked into life when Dejan Lovren
handed us a corner under very little pressure and Fernandez’ unchallenged
header dropped the ball nicely for Llorente to, quite literally, poke home. It
might not be the best goal Fernando ever scores but it might end up being one
of his favourites.
Two minutes passed and Liverpool looked all over the place.
I can’t believe how easily Olsson’s deft touch managed to set Tom Carroll off
down the left and how superb the young midfielder’s cross was for Llorente to
power home – a flash of sheer brilliance from the Swans and proof of Carroll’s
quality.
Sadly, the wave of excitement caused us to lose our heads
about 60 seconds after Llorente’s second as Roberto Firmino got the better of
Olsson to head past Fabianski. A glimmer of hope for the hosts saw Klopp
replace the largely ineffective Coutinho with the fragile Daniel Sturridge and
it was game on again as we rawked up to the other end only for Mawson to head
Gylfi’s cross narrowly wide.
Irritatingly, Wijnaldum remembered briefly how to play
football and delivered a cross of world class standards for Firmino to pluck
out of the air before hammering the ball home. Pundits are hailing it as a
contender for goal of the season but I prefer a half volley to hit top bins
rather than scythe into the bottom corner – not fantastic control but a goal
nonetheless.
The goal of the game came for Swansea to be honest (no
bias!) as Tom Carroll played a huge part in another goal. His pass might’ve
deflected into Sigurdsson’s path but it still reached its intended target and
Gylfi made a mockery of Simon Mingolet by lifting the ball straight over the
on-rushing Belgian.
In summary? Liverpool never led the game and never looked
capable of doing so. Fernando Llorente looks content and rejuvenated and
Clement’s new signings look like just the class of player we need in the race
for Premier League survival – great day all round.
Friday 20 January 2017
Liverpool v Swans: Clement's Second Bite
Paul Clement will no
doubt be suffering with a hangover from his first game in charge; a senseless
4-0 defeat, and he’s probably cursing the people responsible for arranging the
fixtures as his second game in charge is set to be equally as difficult – we’re
off to Anfield to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Ordinarily, there would be a great sense of optimism around
a squad with a new manager and new signings but I just don’t feel there is at
the moment. Martin Olsson is a great signing, I’ve always been a fan of his,
and Tom Carroll has a very bright future but there’s just a ‘So What’ vibe
about them both – I’m not saying I expected a bid for Cristiano Ronaldo but something
more inspiring please?
Personal feeling aside, both the new boys are available for
the trip to Liverpool and Olsson’s arrival couldn’t have been better timed.
Neil Taylor’s fractured cheekbone is going to keep him out for at least three
weeks and possibly more – the new boy is virtually guaranteed a starting place
this weekend and what a test for your first game!
We still don’t have any details on Leon Britton’s mystery
injury but as and when the grapevine starts shaking we’ll let you know.
Realistically, it doesn’t look good for Britts getting a game tomorrow so there’s
every chance that Carroll may make his debut from the start in his place –
Clement has bought quite intelligently when you think about it.
The bad news is we’ve never beaten Liverpool at Anfield in
the Premier League and the only victory we’ve recorded against them in the last
five attempts was in 2015/16 at the Liberty. It would be nice if that streak
was broken but Liverpool are unbeaten in 25 at home and looking for 26 when our
lads come knocking; I can’t see us getting much from this.
We still need to invest, if there’s money left over, in an
experienced striker and a solid defender. I can’t believe that Jose Fonte is on
his way to West Ham for a measly £8 million – surely we should’ve chucked our
name in the hat? And as for a striker, Dimitar Berbatov is still without a club
and is probably worth taking a risk on!
For me, this game has loss written all over it purely
because I’m a realist. I think even the die-hards are saying draw as far as I’ve
heard so not a great mood around the city but I reckon we should just get this
one over with and look on to the rest of the season.
Tuesday 17 January 2017
The Week That Was
Apologies for the
lack of updates this week chaps; it’s not been an easy one at Forza Towers and
unsurprisingly it hasn’t been the easiest week for the club either. Our new
manager, Paul Clement, hasn’t enjoyed the best start to his Swansea career but
this weekend did see him facing up against one of the toughest tests the
Premier League has to offer: Arsenal.
I can accept that games against Arsenal are going to be
difficult but did we have to make it so much easier for them? Own goals from
Cork and Naughton basically handed Arsenal a win by a much greater margin than
they actually deserved; it was hard work to watch overall. In fact, the first
half an hour drifted along without much incident save for Naughton’s decent
effort that forced Cech into making a save early on.
Of course we went on to concede a few minutes later and no
it wasn’t a penalty; Ki went down so easily you’d imagine a gust of wind would
give him problems. Alex Iwobi might feel hard done by not to have two more
goals on his tally for the season but Cork and Naughton were forced into
finishing off his efforts to hand Arsenal an unassailable lead.
Alexis Sanchez naturally found his way onto the scoresheet
after Routledge’s challenge on Ramsey gifted the Chilean the ball – not good.
I’m pleased to say it isn’t all doom and gloom as Norwich
City have gifted us Martin Olsson for around £4 million. The left back will add
a lot of stability to our back four given his wealth of experience and his
arrival is right on time after it was confirmed Neil Taylor is out for at least
three weeks with a broken cheekbone.
It looks all but certain we’ll be focussing on width in the second
half of the season as winger Luciano Narsingh has joined from PSV – hopefully he’s
more effective in the Premier League than his former PSV team mate Memphis
Depay…
Finally, Marvin Emnes has returned from his loan spell at
Blackburn which has added fuel to the Llorente departure fire. It’s by no means
guaranteeing that Fernando will leave the club that brought him to the Premier
League but the issues at Chelsea regarding Diego Costa might force their hand
into making a bid for the Spaniard.
As you may have gathered by now, I rarely comment on
speculation but Paul Clement has told the press (apparently) that paperwork is
set to be completed on a deal for Tom Carroll from Spurs but it remains to be
seen if it’s a loan or a permanent deal – I suspect the latter.
Updates will be more frequent from now folks; stay safe!
Wednesday 4 January 2017
Back on Track
Well, I hate to say I told you so but I definitely did. Renewed optimism thanks to Paul Clement's arrival not only brought a more confident performance out of the players but it also brought three vital points that drags us off the bottom of the Premier League table.
Granted, three points only moves us up one place to 19th but we are now only one point behind Sam Allardyce's Crystal Palace who gifted us the win. What kind of side sits back having equalised? Zaha's goal should've encouraged Palace to attack our back line but they let us in at the death!
However we win, I'm just glad that we do.
There's still a lot to be done but Alan Curtis praised Paul Clement in his post match interview for his support ahead of the game. He didn't interfere with Curtis' team selection and he didn't interrupt the gameplan in anyway - he was happy to watch on as the boys did the business.
I'm really pleased to see Alfie Mawson getting himself on the scoresheet and picking up man of the match - at 22 years old he's got a bright future but he's already looking the real deal. It was a shame that we had to rely on two defenders for our goals but they all count no matter who gets them.
Did Fernando Llorente's mind look elsewhere? Not as far as I could tell. He seems focused on the job at hand and doesn't seem unsettled in the side - we just need to supply the right balls for Llorente to capitalise on!
Are we going to survive? Time will tell. There's nothing to say we will and nothing to say we wont so I think its best to give Clement a few games to settle in and we'll assess his progress over time.
Granted, three points only moves us up one place to 19th but we are now only one point behind Sam Allardyce's Crystal Palace who gifted us the win. What kind of side sits back having equalised? Zaha's goal should've encouraged Palace to attack our back line but they let us in at the death!
However we win, I'm just glad that we do.
There's still a lot to be done but Alan Curtis praised Paul Clement in his post match interview for his support ahead of the game. He didn't interfere with Curtis' team selection and he didn't interrupt the gameplan in anyway - he was happy to watch on as the boys did the business.
I'm really pleased to see Alfie Mawson getting himself on the scoresheet and picking up man of the match - at 22 years old he's got a bright future but he's already looking the real deal. It was a shame that we had to rely on two defenders for our goals but they all count no matter who gets them.
Did Fernando Llorente's mind look elsewhere? Not as far as I could tell. He seems focused on the job at hand and doesn't seem unsettled in the side - we just need to supply the right balls for Llorente to capitalise on!
Are we going to survive? Time will tell. There's nothing to say we will and nothing to say we wont so I think its best to give Clement a few games to settle in and we'll assess his progress over time.
Tuesday 3 January 2017
Palace Swansea Preview
Who doesn’t remember
the reverse of this fixture from November? It was a key moment for Bob Bradley
as he somehow coached the side into a 5-4 victory over tonight’s hosts Crystal
Palace. If anything, it was the beginning of the end for Alan Pardew and now we’ll
be travelling to meet Sam Allardyce with Paul Clement no doubt in the stands
watching on.
Palace were a very different side in November and injuries
have taken their toll since then. There are potentially eight first team
players out tonight for the Eagles but that doesn’t stop them fielding a pretty
intimidating starting XI that will include Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha and
Andros Townsend.
Closer to home, only Jefferson Montero is injured and will
be until next month unfortunately but Jordi Amat is suspended thanks to his
antics against Bournemouth. Most media outlets are reporting that Fernando
Llorente is doubtful for tonight’s game but no-one can confirm as to why – it is
possible that the rumours surrounding his Swansea future are true but it
remains to be seen.
SkySports have suggested Llorente picked up a knock against
Bournemouth but he didn’t look in too much pain when he was substituted. I
could be wrong but I would’ve thought he’d have shaken any complaints off
having only played an hour.
To say this game is over before it’s started is cruel and
the pundits are doing us a great disservice at the moment. Alan Curtis will
likely take charge of the game tonight before Clement takes over formally but
that doesn’t mean Palace will walk all over us. Let’s not forget that we beat
them earlier in the season and there will be renewed optimism thanks to the
confirmed appointment.
I just think pundits are too quick to judge these days,
especially when they have no idea what they’re talking about. Bear in mind
these are the same group of ‘experts’ who said Zlatan was too old for the
Premier League, Aston Villa would be at the top of the Championship by now and
that tonight’s opposing manager, Sam Allardyce, would never work again!
Don’t get me wrong, I can predict the future but tonight’s
game will be well worth watching if you’re attending or even if you know how to
stream the footage. It was a brilliant game last time around and I’m confident
it will be this time too.
Introducing: Paul Clement
It’s about time a
decision was made but it’s something of a surprise name given the initial media
coverage. Even I didn’t consider the prospect of Paul Clement leaving Bayern
Munich to manage the Swans but a four and a half year contract is on the table
for him to sign when he arrives at some point on Tuesday morning.
So Pardew is still without a job. Ryan Giggs has once again
been ignored for a Premier League job (surprise surprise!) and both Steve
Clarke and Gary Rowett must wait their turn for a place in the top flight – but
there are some concerns.
The length of the contract offered to Clement worries me. It’s
almost as though the club have conceded to relegation and want Paul to come in
and coach the existing squad without spending in January. Very brave
considering we are all expecting results and survival this season never mind
heading back to the Championship for god knows how long.
Equally, Paul Clement has just one full time manager’s
position on his CV and he lasted 33 games – that’s it! He has worked very
closely with Carlo Ancelotti at some of Europe’s biggest clubs but as an
assistant or as a coach; not exactly what we were after if I’m honest.
I think that most of the fanbase will be happy enough with
Clement for the timebeing but things could go sour very quickly if he doesn’t
get some points on the board by March. He doesn’t stand too much chance of
securing funds for this transfer window but might be awarded some money in the
summer if he manages to keep the club in the Premier League.
Time will tell but at least we have a manager to take us
into 2017!
Friday 30 December 2016
Swansea v Bournemouth Preview
Heading into the New
Year’s Eve game against Bournemouth without a manager is a strange thing for
Huw Jenkins to permit as far as I’m concerned. Who exactly is going to lead the
side to victory and three points we desperately need? Can you ask Britts to
take on the responsibility? Not while he’s sat on the bench you can’t!
Bradders’ sacking came early enough in the week that we now
know the club’s first choices are both ignoring the chance to take over at the
Liberty. Ryan Giggs and Chris Coleman are obviously looking elsewhere for their
employment future – perhaps Giggs believes Mourinho will cock up enough that
United will give him the job and Coleman would’ve been foolish to leave the
Welsh national side!
So that leaves us with Paul Clement, currently assistant
manager at Bayern Munich under Carlo Ancelotti and Gary Rowett who was recently
dismissed from Birmingham City thanks to their new owners disliking him for no
reason whatsoever – brilliant.
Even more from the media, APPARENTLY Antonio Conte’s Chelsea
are interested in signing Fernando Llorente in January as back up to Diego
Costa. Given Llorente’s seemingly permanent position on the bench for us; he
could do worse than making the switch for a bit more pocket money but it
remains to be seen how much truth there is to the rumours – Chelsea are also
linked to former Man Utd striker Javier Hernandez so you can’t believe
everything you read.
In brief, Ki and Taylor might be available for the game but
there’s no information coming from the club at present to confirm their
availability and Montero is definitely unavailable thanks to a hamstring injury
that’ll keep him out until the end of January at least – better than usual on
the injury front!
Are we in the midst of turning a corner? Can we see off
Bournemouth to start 2017 on the right foot? Or are we destined to slump to
defeat yet again at the hands of a side we are more than capable of defeating?
I can’t give any answers right now because I just don’t know
– all I do know is we need a manager ASAP to save a sinking ship.
Thursday 29 December 2016
Who's Next?
It’s unlikely we’ll
see a replacement appointed before Saturday’s game with Bournemouth but the
bookies already have some ideas as to who will be replacing Bob Bradley – here’s
an assessment of who’s in the running and my opinion on whether or not they’re
right for the job.
Ryan Giggs
We’re all very aware of Giggsy’s talents as a footballer; on his day he was
unstoppable right up to his slightly premature retirement thanks to David Moyes’
failings as Man United manager but does that make him a good choice?
Sadly not. Even though he’s Huw Jenkin’s preferred choice to
fill the vacancy, he hasn’t actually got any experience of managing in the
Premier League nor any other league. A few games at the end of a season that
yielded little success is not enough. 6/4 to take over according to SkyBet but
the wrong choice as far as I can see.
Chris Coleman
The only way Coleman will take over Swansea City is if he can maintain his
role with the Welsh national team – spinning plates whilst juggling balls if
you ask me; basically it’s too much for him to do.
8/1 say SkyBet but I don’t think there’s any chance of this
Swansea lad dividing his time between Premier League strugglers and
International successes.
Alan Pardew
The only real candidate as far as I can tell. Plenty of experience and the
charismatic character we’ve been lacking since Rodgers/Laudrup – I see no
reason why we shouldn’t offer him a contract this second to save our season.
11/4 makes for a tempting bet too. Pardew all the way for
me.
Gary Rowett
It was sad to see Birmingham City sack Rowett but it was more infuriating
that it wasn’t even his
fault. The new owners wanted Gianfranco Zola and made
it so.
The Premier League relegation battle might be too much for
Rowett to handle but 5/1 with SkyBet is rather intriguing – he stands a chance.
The No Hopers
Klinsmann and Hodgson – two managers who’ve left international roles this
year. Would either of
them have the ability to drag us out of the nosedive?
No.
My Opinion?
Giggsy is the frontrunner but he isn’t good enough to keep us up so I’d
back Pardew – even on a short term deal.
Wednesday 28 December 2016
Bob Gone, Next Please!
We knew it was
coming. An entry was posted earlier today detailing how little we would trust
Bradders with funds and how Alan Pardew is waiting in the wings to assume the
role. This isn’t confirmed, of course, but it seems the most likely outcome.
It can hardly be a surprise to us all that, yet again, we
are without a manager.
Are we so incapable of finding a suitable character that we
are destined to invite a former player again? Someone no-one has ever heard of?
Or a person who only understands football on an international level aside of
domestic football in a country that believes a watered down version of rugby
should be given such a name?
We are better than this. Brendan Rodgers is not the greatest
manager of all time but we desperately miss his influence. He is currently
showing Scotland that Celtic aren’t just the biggest fish in a disappointingly
small pond – they can also contend with bloody Barcelona!
Laudrup? Raking money into his account somewhere in Qatar.
Garry Monk? Currently managing Leeds and leading them quite
capably towards AT LEAST the playoff places.
Guidolin? Who cares! We’d have been relegated already!
In brief. Bob Bradley is no longer managing our club and we
are glad for it. However, if Pardew or someone else suitable isn’t appointed
within the next 48 hours we will go into January without a manager nor any
money to reinforce an ailing squad.
Essentially, we would take Pardew, accept Ryan Giggs and
permit Gary Rowett an interview. Just appoint before January 1st.
Tuesday 27 December 2016
Bradley Out, Pardew In?
A hefty 4-1 defeat
against a side who have been struggling for most of the season really isn’t
good enough. There were flashes of brilliance when Bradders finally allowed
Fernando Llorente some game time but it just wasn’t enough – when you consider
how utterly useless Andy Carroll is as a footballer; you start to see just how
bad we actually were.
It’s small wonder Bob Bradley has shot to the top of the
odds for ‘Next Manager Sacked’ given Crystal Palace have freed up the services
of Alan Pardew. Pards has been heavily linked with the Swans job this morning
and the story will break across the newspapers later today or early tomorrow
morning – it looks like the Star Spangled Banner is heading back home.
Since Guidolin departed; we’ve looked a sorry state and
there are a few excuses that keep doing the rounds. Yes, we miss Ashley
Williams and we probably should never have let Michael Laudrup go but we did
and we have invested poorly since then as a generalisation.
Bradley can’t be trusted with what funds we have to spend in
January but then again neither can Pardew really. He’s a typical English
manager who has his favourites that always seem to follow him from club to club
– get ready for Yohan Cabaye to arrive in Swansea folks!
Our American manager looked stunned when the chants rang out
around the Liberty. ‘We Want Bradley Out’ couldn’t have been a clearer message
and there is now an alternative that will meet with the board’s expectations
for experience and most of the fans will accept.
I say bring it on. Pardew needs a job, we need a manager who
understands English football and perhaps we’ll finally see some cohesive
football that produces the results we need to maintain our Premier League
status.
The last thing we need is a return to the Championship –
look at Villa and tell me that we’d romp that league. I don’t think we would
somehow – Newcastle had to invest heavily to top that league and Brighton are
breathing down their necks! We need to survive relegation this season and
Bradders is not the man for the job.
Sunday 25 December 2016
Swansea v West Ham Preview
This was supposed to
be a turning point for the Swans. Games against teams in and around the lower
end of the table have so far resulted in back to back away defeats and a dire
19th place thanks only to superior goal difference over Hull City –
COME ON! What’s going so wrong?
West Ham haven’t come to Swansea and won since 1983 – I’ll
be honest, I wasn’t even born the last time West Ham took us down in our back
yard – but they are looking for a third successive Premier League win as they
make the trip on Boxing Day.
This isn’t great news overall as we’re on a run of
consecutive losses and they’re on a run of consecutive wins – the form guide
clearly suggests we’re up against it here no matter how history paints the
fixture out to be.
We have won our last two Boxing Day games against Villa in
2014 and West Brom 2015 but they were both narrow 1-0 wins. A repeat
performance would be good but it would be nice to see a bit more than a single
goal – it’s meant to be the season of goodwill not crap shooting.
Good news! Fernandez and Ki are both back having recovered
from broken toes – how they both managed to suffer the same fate is beyond me
but never mind. Naughton and Cork are probably going to get the nod to start as
Bradders finally admitted that change was needed if we’re to develop any semblance
of form over the winter period.
There’s a fair few West Ham players set to miss out
including Zaza, Sakho, Tore, Obiang and Oxford all out of the running for a spot
in the squad. Sadly, Payet remains available and in form so it’ll probably be
up to Fernandez to keep him under wraps – he’s going to need to work hard!
The last time we faced West Ham we thumped them 4-1 in one
of our most confident performances of the previous campaign but we’ve only won
that one game in the last seven against the Hammers. Three draws and three
losses make up the rest of the numbers – not good.
January needs to bring three things to Swansea. Confidence,
Victories and signings – I’m not sure Bradders is the man to entrust with a
transfer budget but it’s better than nothing. Fingers crossed we focus on
defence and pace – you can’t buy confidence but a faster, more solid side will
go a long way to developing belief!
Thursday 22 December 2016
Christmas in Swansea
Christmas for Swansea
City could be a real turning point. Let’s face it, the two fixtures between the
big day and the New Year are against West Ham and Bournemouth – a couple of
sides who have been very hit and miss in the league but some how sit higher in
the table than ourselves; time for change Bradders.
West Ham might’ve claimed two wins in their last two league
games but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the woods just yet. According to
pretty much every newspaper you buy; the club are terrified of losing their
star players and Slaven Bilic will have to make do with his existing contract
as the club have no plans to offer him a new deal – makes for a bad atmosphere
around the Olympic Park.
Bournemouth are in the top half of the Premier League and
no-one saw this coming. Three wins and three losses in their last six may leave
them nine places above us but Christmas isn’t a great time for clubs struggling
to maintain lofty positions. The constant fear of failure will bite hard on
Eddie Howe’s team – good news for the Swans no doubt.
Seven points from six games isn’t good enough no matter how
you try and convince yourself otherwise but there are glimmers of talent coming
from the squad. Bradley isn’t going to be given much money to spend in January
but he has to consider some defenders – even loan players will do!
If you take Man Utd as an example; they’re clearly going to
buy defenders in January and that’ll leave some of their players available
either on the cheap or for loan and it’s here that Bradders should be looking
to reinforce. If Lindelof does join United; you have to imagine their
graduating academy players will want competitive minutes on the pitch.
It’s not just England that Bradders can look at. Low cost
options are available in the French Ligue 2 if you know where to look. You can
scoff all you want that these players won’t be good enough but, then again,
Riyad Mahrez joined Leicester from Ligue 2 and he was nominated for the Balon D’Or.
The club need to release some funds to Bradders and if they
don’t trust him with their money then he shouldn’t be in charge at all.
Friday 16 December 2016
Boro v Swans Preview
Things will go from
bad to worse if we fail to beat Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon. Three
points separate us from them and this is without the most important game of the
season so far. We can make up ground on both Boro and Palace even if we can’t
escape the relegation zone just yet. Defeat is not an option.
13 minutes was all it took for all our good work in the
first half to be utterly ruined on Wednesday night – I can’t imagine what
Bradders might’ve said to the boys at half time but it can’t have been all that
much; they looked totally lost and confused.
We could’ve picked up so much momentum from last weekend; we
were imperious! And yet we’re still scrabbling around for points like blind
beggars.
It’s safe to say that Middlesbrough are not a better side
than us so all that’s in their favour is home field advantage. If you’re
travelling to the game, make sure you get there early because parking near to
the Riverside is in short supply and really quite expensive for the afternoon!
We have the better of the head to head having won three to
their two (two draws) and the last time we played each other we nicked the game
1-0 in the League Cup, 13th December 2012. On paper they look a
decent side but an experienced ‘keeper and a big name striker aren’t enough to
do well in the Premier League as Karanka is finding out.
Assuming the spine of our team remains solid (Gylfi, Britts
and Rangel), we should be able to control the game for the most part. Boro can’t
outpace our widemen and there’s no chance their getting past the depth of our
midfield – it’s tough to see where goals might come from for them to be honest.
SkyBet don’t fancy
us all that much here: Boro 1/1, Draw
12/5, Swans 14/5. Harsh odds but it makes it all the easier to break with
convention and back our own team – it’s okay to do it every now and then!
Swans to win and
under 2.5 goals in the game is 6/1 and I think that’ll be my bet for the
day – it’s got 1-0 written all over it.
West Brom - Swansea Match Report
It’s not fair to say
that we underperformed against West Brom; they are one of the Premier League’s
most in form sides having only lost to Chelsea in their last six. What is safe
to say is that we should’ve contained Salomon Rondon with more care across the
course of his 13 minute hat trick.
I, like many, was very happy with the first half
performance. It was quite a defensive display and we probably could’ve attacked
West Brom with a bit more voracity but there was a clear intention to protect
the 0-0 scoreline going into half time – something Bob Bradley will probably
regret instructing the side to do.
We aren’t exactly solid at the back right now, in fact
January can’t come soon enough to afford the chance to bring in at least one
more experienced centre back, but neither were West Brom on the night. Dawson
and Evans were both missing for the hosts; surely we could’ve exposed the
inexperience of their back four?
Jefferson Montero should’ve done more against Allan Nyom –
there was a bit too much showboating and not enough product for me. We should’ve
been building from the left hand side as Nyom was pushed into the wide right
area; somewhere he’s not usually comfortable.
It was good to see Wayne Routledge getting himself on the
scoresheet, even if it was obviously consolation. The heads were down and there
was no drive to try and level the game at least – there ought to have been more
concentration on moving the ball fluidly in the middle of the park as we did
against Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
The capability is there but another disappointing result has
dropped us back into the relegation places ahead of the trip to Middlesbrough
tomorrow. A win is vital on Saturday afternoon – it may not take us above Boro
but at least it will level the points up going into Christmas week; the staff
party might be put on hold for now however.
Monday 12 December 2016
Vital Points Revive Super Swans
If you'd told me at the start of the day that we'd be out of the relegation zone by Monday afternoon on Saturday morning; you can be fairly certain my response would relate to going forth and multiplying and yet... Bradders actually pulled off a victory worthy of some serious praise.
As I mentioned in my Match Preview; Bob Bradley needed to inject some life into the attack and focus on the most talented members of the squad - who went on to secure the win? Messrs Sigurdsson and Llorente. Please, keep your applause until the end folks!
Don't get me wrong; the first half was like watching paint dry in the rain but when the lads trotted out for the second half they looked a totally different prospect. The attacking moves were brilliantly well thought out and it looked as though everyone had a particular part to play - playing to players strengths at last!
Even the referee, Craig Pawson, had a great game. Every decision he made was fair and correct, the penalty was correctly awarded and Angel Rangel can have no complaints about his booking - great to see the officials getting it right for a change.
We couldn't have asked for a better penalty taker than Sigurdsson in all honesty. I feel that Llorente wasn't quite set into the game until we took the lead then the big man settled right in and dispatched Gylfi's genius corner with aplomb.
I'm also glad to see 'Nando quite literally using his head - that second goal was very well taken and should give him the confidence boost he's needed. Between Llorente, Gylfi and Britt's we actually looked composed and threatening - we need more of this Bob and lots more of it.
Bring on West Brom on Wednesday night - if anyone's going to the game and has spare seats in the car etc; please let us know in the comments and we'll see if we can't get as many as we can to The Hawthorns.
As I mentioned in my Match Preview; Bob Bradley needed to inject some life into the attack and focus on the most talented members of the squad - who went on to secure the win? Messrs Sigurdsson and Llorente. Please, keep your applause until the end folks!
Don't get me wrong; the first half was like watching paint dry in the rain but when the lads trotted out for the second half they looked a totally different prospect. The attacking moves were brilliantly well thought out and it looked as though everyone had a particular part to play - playing to players strengths at last!
Even the referee, Craig Pawson, had a great game. Every decision he made was fair and correct, the penalty was correctly awarded and Angel Rangel can have no complaints about his booking - great to see the officials getting it right for a change.
We couldn't have asked for a better penalty taker than Sigurdsson in all honesty. I feel that Llorente wasn't quite set into the game until we took the lead then the big man settled right in and dispatched Gylfi's genius corner with aplomb.
I'm also glad to see 'Nando quite literally using his head - that second goal was very well taken and should give him the confidence boost he's needed. Between Llorente, Gylfi and Britt's we actually looked composed and threatening - we need more of this Bob and lots more of it.
Bring on West Brom on Wednesday night - if anyone's going to the game and has spare seats in the car etc; please let us know in the comments and we'll see if we can't get as many as we can to The Hawthorns.
Friday 9 December 2016
Bob's Bad Banter
Well thanks a lot
Bob. A day after Bradley vowed we would ‘fight on’, he’s come out to the press
and said he can’t defend our defending! That’s exactly what we wanted to hear
the day before a crucial tie with Sunderland isn’t it!?
I’m not sure what was going through Bradder’s head if I’m
honest. Yes, the club haven’t replaced Ashley Williams with any great success –
Amat and van der Hoorn aren’t bad options at the back, they just lack a bit of
solidarity and this is their first season in the Premier League – everyone takes
time to adapt to a totally different league!
It was such a bad time to speak out on the defending given
the visit of Sunderland this weekend and then West Brom, Boro, West Ham,
Bournemouth and Palace – all games we should be winning with a positive
attitude except maybe West Brom but Tony Pulis is on a hot streak; we could
bring it to an end!
I can’t help but feel Bradley’s a bit out of his depth at
the minute. When you look at who else was interested in the job (not you
Giggsy), I’m still coming to terms with the fact we’ve got the Premier League’s
first American manager – WHY!? He keeps saying the wrong things to the press
and still hasn’t got a clue who his best team are.
He’s actually making the dodgy one, Jose Mourinho, look like
he’s doing a good job at Man Utd. Small wonder he’s bookie’s favourite to lose
his job – 6/5 for Bradley to be sacked next on SkyBet. We all know moving a manager on isn’t always the answer but
unless he beats Sunderland he’ll have a worse record than Alan Curtis had when
he looked after us after Monk messed it up.
There aren’t that many managers out of work but who’d turn
down a crack at the Premier League? I mean Steve Clarke’s been available for
ages and it bugs me that he wasn’t even given a look in for the Swans job – he doesn’t
have the best record but at least he’s managed in England before and has some
kind of scouting network!
Last week was embarrassing and shipping four goals against
Palace was just as bad. I don’t think Bradders will see the new year in with us
if I’m honest – he hasn’t got what we need right now.
Swansea v Sunderland Preview
The game against
Sunderland couldn’t be much more important to the Swans right now. Victory will
take us above David Moyes’ side in the table – possibly West Ham too if results
go the right way. Not quite safety but it’s better than where we are ahead of
kick off!
Looking up at the rest of the table isn’t quite what Bob
Bradley had in mind when he came in to replace Francesco Guidolin and – in all
fairness – he has only taken five points from seven league games; more than
Francesco managed though which is positive.
It’s tough to say what’s going wrong right now; look at the
squad and say it’s not capable of making it to mid-table. I mean between Gylfi
Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente alone we have two class players leading the
attack but we can’t seem to balance decent attack with any kind of solid
defence.
Are the team still missing Ashley Williams? Well yes and he
probably shouldn’t have left frankly but we need to be pro-active and accept
suitable replacement wasn’t brought in – thanks Guidolin! We’re totally exposed
at the back as proven in the Spurs game last weekend and, even though we beat
Palace, it was proven in the game before as it took five goals before Pardew’s
side stopped responding!
Bad news ahead of the Sunderland game; Ki Sung-Yeung and
Federico Fernandez are both out with broken toes. It has to be said, we’re
missing Ki’s influence in the middle of the park – he’s got that brilliant
skill of disappearing and always being available; we’re limited on passing
options without him.
Happily; Britton, Routledge and Llorente are all available
for the visit of Sunderland. A bit of experience, pace and flair will no doubt
boost the lads – I just hope Llorente doesn’t get marked out of the game like
he has in a few this year.
Sunderland won’t be bringing Duncan Watmore, Lee Cattermole,
Jack Rodwell or Paddy McNair with them to the Liberty thanks to injury but it
looks like Fabio Borini will be playing some part along with either Seb Larsson
or Adnan Januzaj. Mixed news on the opponent front but the stats look good.
We’ve only lost one of the last eight Premier League games
against Sunderland but Moyes has never lost a Premier League game against the
Swans – he likes breaking records so now might just be the time David!
Happy to see SkyBet have put some decent odds on for once: Swans are 21/20 to win, a draw is 5/2 and Sunderland to win is 5/2. I’m really
liking the look of the home odds; finally the bookies have some faith in us! It
doesn’t matter that Sunderland will probably be heavily backed at those odds –
let them lose their money.
I’m backing: Swans to win, BTTS, 11+ match corners and 60+ match booking points at 22/1. I can’t
see it being a tame affair; let’s be honest Leon Britton has his moments and
will be looking forward to letting Borini know who’s in charge – should be a
good ‘un this!
Sunday 2 October 2016
All change at ForzaSwansea!
Good evening Swans fans!
I bring you news of some changes! Firstly, rest assured ForzaSwansea is staying put - it's just me that's going away.
It's been an absolute pleasure to create, edit and write for this website over the past six years (that's right, SIX years!).
I started this blog back in 2010 to chart the activity of Swansea City, just as Brendan Rodgers was settling in. Little did I know that it was to become the season the club would dramatically rise to the top flight! I followed the Swans as they took their first steps in the Premier League, their brief but exciting European tour, charted the rise and fall of both Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk, and a lot more in between.
I even won the title of Best Sports Blog in Wales at the Wales Blog Awards 2012, and wrote two books about the Swans (in 2014 and 2015). A fantastic journey that wouldn't have been possible if I was writing about a boring club.
However in the last year or two I haven't been able to dedicate the time this website deserves, thanks to other projects eating up my waking day. So I've made the decision to pass the reigns to a new group of bloggers, who have assured me that the blog will remain focused on the Swans.
The change will take place over the next few days, but make sure you keep coming back for the usual Swans news and check out the archive from the last six years.
I'm still writing about the Swans for Yahoo! Sport and am sure I have another book in me somewhere... For now, you can keep in touch with me on Twitter.
Keep visiting ForzaSwansea and keep following the Swans!
Forza Swansea!
Chris Carra
2 October, 2016
I bring you news of some changes! Firstly, rest assured ForzaSwansea is staying put - it's just me that's going away.
It's been an absolute pleasure to create, edit and write for this website over the past six years (that's right, SIX years!).
I started this blog back in 2010 to chart the activity of Swansea City, just as Brendan Rodgers was settling in. Little did I know that it was to become the season the club would dramatically rise to the top flight! I followed the Swans as they took their first steps in the Premier League, their brief but exciting European tour, charted the rise and fall of both Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk, and a lot more in between.
I even won the title of Best Sports Blog in Wales at the Wales Blog Awards 2012, and wrote two books about the Swans (in 2014 and 2015). A fantastic journey that wouldn't have been possible if I was writing about a boring club.
However in the last year or two I haven't been able to dedicate the time this website deserves, thanks to other projects eating up my waking day. So I've made the decision to pass the reigns to a new group of bloggers, who have assured me that the blog will remain focused on the Swans.
The change will take place over the next few days, but make sure you keep coming back for the usual Swans news and check out the archive from the last six years.
I'm still writing about the Swans for Yahoo! Sport and am sure I have another book in me somewhere... For now, you can keep in touch with me on Twitter.
Keep visiting ForzaSwansea and keep following the Swans!
Forza Swansea!
Chris Carra
2 October, 2016
Friday 2 September 2016
Swansea Till I Die - Old Radio Show, New Home!
It's been a long time since I posted on Forza Swansea, but it's only because the majority of my Swans writing now takes place on Yahoo! Sport these days. Make sure to follow me on Twitter for updates on my newest articles.
But I also wanted to mention that the well-loved radio show Swansea Till I Die is back after a brief absence. The show is currently live on Monday evenings at 6pm on 1386AM, although is podcasted soon after and available for download.
It features myself, Matt Barroccu, Mark Beevers and Ben Charles, as well as the usual callers from across the globe. Good old fashioned Swans chat - perfect for venting frustrations on the Swans (and there certainly seem to be a few around at the moment!).
Make sure to check out the official #STiD Facebook and Twitter pages for more updates and episode news. The first episode can be found here.
Cheers!
Chris
But I also wanted to mention that the well-loved radio show Swansea Till I Die is back after a brief absence. The show is currently live on Monday evenings at 6pm on 1386AM, although is podcasted soon after and available for download.
It features myself, Matt Barroccu, Mark Beevers and Ben Charles, as well as the usual callers from across the globe. Good old fashioned Swans chat - perfect for venting frustrations on the Swans (and there certainly seem to be a few around at the moment!).
Make sure to check out the official #STiD Facebook and Twitter pages for more updates and episode news. The first episode can be found here.
Cheers!
Chris
Friday 12 February 2016
Swansea City vs Southampton: Preview
Right - let's make sure we win this one.
I say that because in the last two Swansea City matches, points have been thrown away due to bad defending. As I outlined in my post earlier this week, we need to ensure we defend corners properly (i.e. no sticking Leon Britton on Graziano Pelle) and score more than one goal (because one is rarely enough).
The Swans take on Southampton at the Liberty this Saturday (3pm) - looking for a little redemption after the 3-1 thrashing at St Mary's back in September.
The good news for Swansea is Ki Sung Yueng is likely to play after recovering from the concussion he suffered in the 1-1 draw against West Brom. While he's not been in the best form this season, it's always handy to have him as an option.
In fact, it's as strong a team as we've had for a while with no injury worries - Francesco Guidolin has a good selection of players to choose from in all areas. I don't think any Swans fan is worrying about Guidolin's choices regardless. He seems to be on the ball, and going for another unbeaten game (although hopefully a win this time).
Thankfully Gylfi Sigurdsson is finally back in form and will look for a third goal in three consecutive games, while new boy Alberto Paloschi will be desperate to get on the scoresheet. With Ayew also fit and available, it's unlikely we'll see much more of Bafetimbi Gomis.
Meanwhile, Southampton will probably wear their away kit which looks surprisingly similar to Swansea's this season. Let's hope it brings them as bad luck as it has done Swansea tomorrow!
Unfortunately Soton keeper Fraser Forster is in top form, and looking for a sixth consecutive clean sheet in tomorrow's game. They will miss Victor Wanyama though, who is suspended for five matches after his third red card of the season!
Despite their clean-sheet heroes, I still feel either Sigurdsson or Paloschi will find a way through. But so too may Pelle or Long... So my prediction - I feel this could well be another 1-1!
I say that because in the last two Swansea City matches, points have been thrown away due to bad defending. As I outlined in my post earlier this week, we need to ensure we defend corners properly (i.e. no sticking Leon Britton on Graziano Pelle) and score more than one goal (because one is rarely enough).
The Swans take on Southampton at the Liberty this Saturday (3pm) - looking for a little redemption after the 3-1 thrashing at St Mary's back in September.
The good news for Swansea is Ki Sung Yueng is likely to play after recovering from the concussion he suffered in the 1-1 draw against West Brom. While he's not been in the best form this season, it's always handy to have him as an option.
In fact, it's as strong a team as we've had for a while with no injury worries - Francesco Guidolin has a good selection of players to choose from in all areas. I don't think any Swans fan is worrying about Guidolin's choices regardless. He seems to be on the ball, and going for another unbeaten game (although hopefully a win this time).
Thankfully Gylfi Sigurdsson is finally back in form and will look for a third goal in three consecutive games, while new boy Alberto Paloschi will be desperate to get on the scoresheet. With Ayew also fit and available, it's unlikely we'll see much more of Bafetimbi Gomis.
Meanwhile, Southampton will probably wear their away kit which looks surprisingly similar to Swansea's this season. Let's hope it brings them as bad luck as it has done Swansea tomorrow!
Unfortunately Soton keeper Fraser Forster is in top form, and looking for a sixth consecutive clean sheet in tomorrow's game. They will miss Victor Wanyama though, who is suspended for five matches after his third red card of the season!
Despite their clean-sheet heroes, I still feel either Sigurdsson or Paloschi will find a way through. But so too may Pelle or Long... So my prediction - I feel this could well be another 1-1!
Tuesday 9 February 2016
Swansea City 1-1 [The Other Team]: Twice
Even though we have finally seen some respite from the bleak results we witnessed back in December and January - mainly thanks to the arrival of Francesco Guidolin - Swansea have managed to throw away four important points in the last two matches.
In the game against West Brom at the start of February we saw the Swans take the deserved lead through the quick feet of Gylfi Sigurdsson in the 64th minute. They then held on for 25 tough minutes until injury time when Saloman Rondon fired in from close range after a chaotic corner. 1-1.
In the end, a disappointing draw - but at least one point and some confidence to take into the next game.
This was against Crystal Palace at the Liberty the following week, when we saw Sigurdsson once again score the deserved opener in the first half, only for Scott Dann to equalise after the Swans failed to defend a corner... again. Another 1-1.
When you look at both games it's definitely a case of four points dropped.
More annoyingly for me, I had Swansea to win on my Saturday accumulator both times - the West Brom game in particular would have seen me win a couple of hundred quid! I should have cashed out when they were ahead - taken my money and run.
(I'm aware I have broken my main rule this season - never bet on Swansea).
But I guess we can't dwell too much. Both games extended the run of unbeaten matches to four, and both showed a drastically improved Swansea City.
However there are two lessons we can take from this. Firstly, the players have to work on defending set pieces. How many times this season have we seen a goalmouth scramble following a corner? Or the tallest opposition player being marked by Leon Britton? Too many. It's a fundamental flaw, and needs to be addressed.
Secondly - one goal is not enough! This should be obvious, but these days nursing a 1-0 lead is a dangerous game to play. I mean, look at Liverpool on the weekend - 2-0 to 2-2 within a few minutes. Swansea have to start scoring a couple of early goals, then holding onto them.
That's where the points will come from.
In the game against West Brom at the start of February we saw the Swans take the deserved lead through the quick feet of Gylfi Sigurdsson in the 64th minute. They then held on for 25 tough minutes until injury time when Saloman Rondon fired in from close range after a chaotic corner. 1-1.
In the end, a disappointing draw - but at least one point and some confidence to take into the next game.
This was against Crystal Palace at the Liberty the following week, when we saw Sigurdsson once again score the deserved opener in the first half, only for Scott Dann to equalise after the Swans failed to defend a corner... again. Another 1-1.
When you look at both games it's definitely a case of four points dropped.
More annoyingly for me, I had Swansea to win on my Saturday accumulator both times - the West Brom game in particular would have seen me win a couple of hundred quid! I should have cashed out when they were ahead - taken my money and run.
(I'm aware I have broken my main rule this season - never bet on Swansea).
But I guess we can't dwell too much. Both games extended the run of unbeaten matches to four, and both showed a drastically improved Swansea City.
However there are two lessons we can take from this. Firstly, the players have to work on defending set pieces. How many times this season have we seen a goalmouth scramble following a corner? Or the tallest opposition player being marked by Leon Britton? Too many. It's a fundamental flaw, and needs to be addressed.
Secondly - one goal is not enough! This should be obvious, but these days nursing a 1-0 lead is a dangerous game to play. I mean, look at Liverpool on the weekend - 2-0 to 2-2 within a few minutes. Swansea have to start scoring a couple of early goals, then holding onto them.
That's where the points will come from.
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