The Swans travel to MK Dons for the second leg of their JPT area final - Planet Swans previews the game
After last week's disappointment at the Liberty, there is expected to be a bigger crowd to watch the leaders of Leagues One and Two battle it out for the right to play at Wembley on March 30. The Swans fielded a weakened side last week in the home defeat but Roberto is predicted to field a much stronger side this time around as he looks to become the first manager to lead out a Welsh side at the redeveloped ground.
With his side 14 points clear at the top of their division and not in action again until Saturday there may well be a logic that says he can unleash as many as possible of his first choice players for the game. And whilst the JPT is undoubtedly seen as a distraction in many quarters I have the belief now that we are at this stage of the competition so we may as well try and win the thing. Promotion is just about there so we won't be around to defend it next season!!
Ferrie Bodde though is a definite absentee for the game following the injury he picked up on Friday night in the 1-0 win over Luton and that opens the door for a start for either Paul Anderson, KOL, Darren Way or possibly Fabien Brandy with Roberto possibly reverting to 4-4-2 as he tends to for an away game. Leon Britton is a doubt but is expected to come through and take his place alongside Darren Pratley in the centre of midfield giving the Swans a line up of
Dorus
Rangel Tate Monk Painter
Butler Britton Pratley Robinson
Scotland Brandy
MK Dons will again be without leading scorer Mark Wright (hamstring).
Keith Andrews will be fit to lead the side against the Swans despite suffering a broken nose in the 2-0 victory against Barnet on Saturday.
Prediction wise it is not an easy one to call this. MK Dons undoubtedly have the advantage but from a Swans fan perspective we had some good chances last week to kill the game in our favour and there is no way that Willy will play that well twice. I can see a long tussle tomorrow night but I think the Swans will come through overall - 3-1 on the night to Swansea, 3-2 on aggregate.
Paddy Power says: MK Dons are showing as slight favourites in the betting at 7/5 whilst the Swans can be backed at 8/5. The draw is the outsider at 11/5. The bookie is also offering odds on first goalscorer and Tom Butler seems to suggest value in this one at 20/1 for first goal which can also be backed each way at 1/3 of the odds. If you are into correct score betting then Swansea to win 2-0 can be backed at 11/1. You can see the full range of markets offered by Paddy Power on this market by clicking this link