I have read many times on here, and other sources, in recent days that Saturday's game at West Brom is a must win game for the Swans but we should come away from statements like that as they just aren't true.
A win would almost certainly (in my eyes) see us secure Premier League safety for another season but the very definition of a must win game means that there are strong ramifications to us not winning which is simply not the case.
Whatever happens on Saturday West Brom will play their football next season in the Championship. They are a team that has been heading towards relegation for weeks and for them there is little doubt that Saturday is the must win game it is talked about for us.
However, it is different for us because of our league position and, as we talked about on here yesterday, we have many more winnable games to come.
Should we lose on Saturday there will no doubt be the total meltdown and overreaction that follows many of our defeats but our destiny will remain as much in our hands on the back of a defeat as it does before the game is actually played.
West Brom have been on a dreadful run of form which has seen them now face a position where Saturday is arguably their easiest fixture and with a change in the dugout ahead of the game they will certainly fancy their chances more now than maybe they did on Sunday morning.
That alone should take away from us thinking it has to be a must win fixture and all the pressure that comes with that stigma. There will be far more pressure on the home side this weekend than there is on us and rightly so.
As I stated yesterday I firmly believe that the Jacks are staying up but I know one thing for certain. If we don't win on Saturday it doesn't mean we are relegated and therefore we should keep our nerve. As Carlos and the team need to.
What will the result be against West Brom?
To embed this in a blog, comment, forum post etc, use [poll_2007]
What to read next:
Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and
wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.
TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.
Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.
Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.
Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’ Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.
Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.
Swansea City : The vision is clearer, so Jamal Lowe ? There were some worrying moments for the Swans yesterday, on three occasions mistakes from playing out from the back nearly saw the home side score. And is there now a case for Jamal Lowe to be offered a contract at Swansea ?
Leighton James : His own football revolution With the passing of Leighton James yesterday we have a Saturday night treat for football fans, Swans fans and Wales followers the world over. Who can recall the magic boots imposing themselves on clubs throughout Wales and England ?