In general a run of wins for Swansea City under Russell Martin results in poor form and then criticism of his methods and style of play. The Swans go in to tonight’s game against Preston North End with four wins and a draw behind them and an upturn in form at least when it comes to winning matches.
Lillywhites manager Ryan Lowe is determined to see his charges win tonight, and insists there’s no tiredness in his squad. He said after being defeated by Millwall: "They shouldn't be tired when you've only got four games to go in the season and you're trying to do something which would be fantastic. We'll rest and recover them and then we'll go again on Wednesday. Two lapses of concentration against Millwall has cost us two goals but they've been fantastic. To lose one in 11, before we went into the Millwall game, is not bad. Six wins, four draws and a loss”
Preston and Swansea have very similar recent records but play the game in very different ways. Preston have pace where as the Swans prefer a build up through the middle of the park looking to utilise an overload especially on their left. This was superbly illustrated in the 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic. The Swans have to be wary of the counter attack and the pace the Liyywhites have in their side.
Freddie Woodman (below) is looking forward to returning to Swansea. He formed a bond with the area for the two seasons he was at the club. "It'll be quite emotional going back because I kind of fell in love with Swansea so I'm quite looking forward to it. It's one that I look out for when the fixtures come out, it felt like it was a million miles away but now we're there.They shouldn’t be where they are”
Once again this game will spin on the midfield for both sides. The Swans still have numerous permutations and once again will rely on Liam Walsh passing a fitness test late this morning. If that fails again we can expect a similar starting g line up to Huddersfield at home with the wing back and one midfield position changing if at all.
Everton loanee Tom Cannon has netted regularly for Preston since his loan spell started and he most certainly is the visitors danger man.
Managers comments pre match later today.