It’s another huge game at the Liberty today as Swansea City take on promotion contenders Watford at the Liberty. Both sides will fancy their chances to push on in to 2021 towards those automatic promotion spots.
It’s a return to the days of old today as the swans and the hornets meet at the Liberty stadium. Once a regular fixture as both sides climbed the leagues in the late seventies and early eighties today’s game will throw up a few answers to many questions both sets of fans have regards their team today.
Swans fans are desperate to see the club sign the final piece in the jigsaw, a striker to put away those missed chances as we saw a few days ago against Reading. No links to anyone as yet, but plenty of speculation on a certain Aaron Pierre a defender currently getting rave reviews under Steve Cotterril at Shrewsbury Town. It’s an odd link as Pierre is 28 next month although not out of context when you see the strengths that the highly experienced Ryan Bennett has brought to the swans since signing from Wolves. It is expected Bennett will sit out this afternoons game.
Swans news
When asked if Bennett had suffered a hamstring injury, Steve Cooper responded post-match: "I think so, but I'm not sure because I haven't seen him to talk to for too much, I only saw him quickly. "I don't know the extent of it. We'll find out more in the next day or two. We are expecting another tough challenge against a team that has come down from the Premier League but still boasts a strong squad. Cooper went in "We've not had much time in terms of preparation, but this is the type of challenge we face in this busy schedule. Ultimately, we go out onto the pitch to do the fans proud and hopefully we've done that this season."
Cooper is confident the swans are playing for the shirt
Watford News
Hornets boss Muñoz is prepared for the test Steve Cooper’s high-flying Swansea will pose, with the league’s best defensive record and danger men up top, but is aiming to take all three points from South Wales. "I know it's a difficult team, I saw their game [0-0 v Reading] and they have a good intensity and very good things in attack,” he said. We know exactly what we need, we have our plan, and we try [to implement it]. All the games are difficult, we know we have a strong team, we need to continue winning.” Watford will be without Etienne Capoue after the midfielder left for Villarreal this week, while Isaac Success is still sidelined.
Muñoz is prepared and has a plan
The Protests
Police are aware of protests against taking the knee this weekend for the Watford game, and have reiterated the message that large gatherings of people are currently prohibited in Wales under Welsh Government guidance. A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: "South Wales Police was made aware of a planned protest at the Liberty Stadium. A small group of people attended against Reading. "We have designated football liaison officers who work with clubs throughout the force area, including Swansea City, to help prevent and deter crime and anti-social behaviour. "Officers engaged with protest organisers and attendees in order to remind them of their obligations under the current Covid-19 legislation, including the prohibition on gatherings and the overarching goal for everyone to take personal responsibility to keep Wales safe. We will continue to work with the club and review any footage from the protest.”
Police presence expected today
It’s another big game day today for the swans who can expect thousands of subscriptions matching their record of 23,000 in November, it’s just a shame the fans can’t be there to watch what is turning out to be a fantastic season for the Jack Army. Click on our Matchday forums and join in the fun.