Swansea City’s biggest test of the season comes tonight in the form of Fulham, who are widely tipped to bounce straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt this season. Flush with parachute payment cash, and a quality squad, Marco Silva’s side are red hot favourites tonight.

Despite a few injuries to his midfield Silva will be expecting his Fulham side to railroad the swans at Craven Cottage. The Fulham boss revealed that he will once again be unable to call upon Fabio Carvalho for the game as the 19-year-old is still yet to recover from a toe injury which has now ruled him out of five Championship fixtures. Silva also claimed that Tom Cairney is back in fitness training with the first-team squad, and could be in line for a return to action after the upcoming international break. Speaking about the current condition of the midfielders, Silva said: “Tom is running outside on the pitch and improving his physical condition, but not involved in the training sessions, and we hope to integrate him better after the international break” If I can have Tom and Fabio available for midfield we will be stronger, that’s for sure.”

Despite these deficiencies in his selection tonight Silva knows the expectation on his side to take all three points is high. The Cottagers are in the middle of a slight wobble league wise but that should not detract from the end result tonight. Swansea haven’t faired that well on the road and despite going one up at Preston a few weeks ago they still faltered and lost 3-1. It could have been more. The real concern for Russell Martin will be the twenty five minute capitulation at Kenilworth Road, the swans bravely fought back to draw 3-3, a repeat of that tonight won’t help his ‘ total football’ cause. Michael Obafemi is out with a muscle injury, Ryan Bennett could feature but he isn’t totally fit yet. Korey Smith and Liam Walsh are nursing slight knocks but should be okay for the game if selected.

The swans have sold in excess of 1,100 tickets for tonight’s game and Fulham have stated they have catered for up to four hundred away supporters to pay in at the gate tonight. It’s always a great trip by the river Thames, and a noisy and raucous Jack Army will most certainly prove vital. Despite the swans slow start to the season they are now undefeated in four league games since the Preston defeat.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and is LIVE on SKY Sports Football.

Join us on our match day forum as you watch the game

Photographs licensed from Reuters & Open Source

Swansea City Polls