Tonight’s big Championship match up between rivals Swansea City and Bristol City already has enough spice attached to it after a number of years of fierce rivalry on and off the pitch. However, tonight we see 2,300 Swansea City fans adding to an already bumper home crowd estimated at 23,000 at Ashton Gate.

Russell Martin does have one or two headaches before the game, we hear that there may be two players possibly ruled out with positive Covid tests this morning, and adding them to an already lengthening injury list won’t be helpful. Martin may have to turn to players he has already indicated would be better off going out on loan, signifying just how under strength his side are at present.

Ethan Laird will almost certainly start tonight, and if he does play Ryan Bennett it won’t a fully fit centre back he includes in the starting eleven. Brandon Cooper who has been singled out for praise, and some criticism recently really should have the pressure taken off him for a player so inexperienced as such. It’s a gamble if he has another game which hits his confidence as it did against Stoke. However, that’s a two way street, his capability for us anyway is unquestioned. Kyle Naughton faces a late fitness test.

If fit Matt Grimes and Flynn Downes will certainly start as should Jay Fulton. Korey Smith remains doubtful and again if he is selected he will not be fit. Liam Walsh is a week or so away from inclusion. Up front we look to Joel Piroe to start with Jamal Lowe but many swans watchers want Morgan Whittaker in the mix from the off. Morgan has been told he can find another club to go to on loan which has surprised many swans fans, not least us here at Swansea Independent.

The game is LIVE on Sky Sports tonight and kicks off at 7.45pm.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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