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Friday, 15th Oct 2004 00:00

Jackett's Leaders Head East

Garry Monk is set to return to the centre of the Swans defence as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the league with a trip to Southend United tomorrow which could also see them go seven games unbeaten in all competitions.

The Swans are unbeaten since September 4th, when a late penalty at Yeovil ended two successive wins. Since then they have won 5 and drawn one of their six trips - a run that has seen them take over at the head of League Two and also seen their odds on promotion cut quite considerably.

A big part of that run has been their defence with 5 clean sheets in those six games - only Chester have managed to break them down in that period. Monk was injured in that game at Chester but should return tomorrow to partner Alan Tate in the centre of the Swans defence. With Andy Gurney missing, Sam Ricketts and Kevin Austin will provide the full back roles - something they have done effectively so far this season.

The midfield four seem certain to be unchanged from the four that started last Friday against Mansfield meaning Adrian Forbes, despite his winning goal in that game, is likely to remain on the bench as Paul Connor partners Lee Trundle up front. Leon Britton is pushing for a starting place but it seems almost certain that Andy Robinson will hold his place on the left hand side of midfield.

Southend boss Steve Tilson will make a late decision on who to play in goal for the visit of Swansea. Tilson has signed Ryan Clarke on a month-long loan from Bristol Rovers as well as stand-up comedian Steve Alderton, who impressed during Sky One's 'The Match'. "People will think it's clear-cut that Ryan will be starting against Swansea but they shouldn't be so sure," said Tilson. Drewe Broughton has gone on a month's loan to Rushden, while Mark Bentley is suspended.

Swans boss Kenny Jackett is in no doubt that sides will now want to win against the Swans more now they top the league ''It's something we've been speaking about all week, that we're now the side who everyone wants to beat,'' Jackett told the Evening Post ''We have to be aware that other clubs will be saying to themselves: 'Right, we're playing the team who are top of the league this weekend and we need to raise our game'. ''Teams will always lift their game against the leaders and that's something my players will have to contend with.''

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WHAT THE FANS SAY - THE PREDICTIONS SO FAR (October 15)

Away

012345
Home015142
19104
2111
3
4
5
Other Scores: 0
Home Win:2
Draw:10
Away Win:36
First Scorer Votes
Lee Trundle

23

Andy Robinson

5

Paul Connor

4

Brad Maylett

4

Adrian Forbes

2

Roberto Martinez

2

Kevin Nugent

1

Kristian O'Leary

1

Andy Gurney

1

Sam Ricketts

1

No Scorer

4

Photo: Action Images



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