The swans travel to Reading on Sunday looking for the one point needed to secure a promotion play off place. As happened last season it’s Reading again that provide the opposition, the royals need to win for a last gasp opportunity to keep their play off hopes alive.
Its a LIVE tv game for the swans again, and when questioned in his pre match interview Cooper seemed indifferent to the point being made that the swans could go out and play for a point. Referencing his game plan and a need to take the game ‘forwards’ he gave nothing away other than his usual comments pre match we have a heard all season.
Cooper seemed slightly downbeat today but said the usual things starting with Andre Ayew. "It’s looking like he will miss this weekend’s game. We are doing everything we can, and he is doing everything he can to be fit," he said. But if he does miss out this weekend, it will be the last game he misses as he should be ready for Derby. As I said, we feared it would be worse than it actually is, but this game has probably come too soon. "We will wait and see, but we won’t take any risks with him that’s for sure. We don’t want to have him miss any more games. We are working hard to get him fit as soon as possible." The Swans boss confirmed there are no new injury concerns on the back of the midweek fixture.
Andre will sit this game out
When asked about his contract at the club Cooper responded by saying " Steve Kaplan will be in touch” He went on to say "With the general running of the club, Julian I'm assuming has contact with them," when asked if he has had discussions with the majority owners of late. Cooper responded he hadn’t "I’m not too sure about the conversations, not that I need to know. "I think that next seasons plans maybe more something Julian and Andy Scott will be thinking about," he said. I’ve just got to focus on the team, the next game and trust that, whatever situation we’re in, next year the club is ready to do the right thing."
For us that final statement could mean Cooper is no longer interested in bringing in any more of his own type of player, or indeed he doesn’t fancy his chances of being at Swansea next season. It was an odd remark for a manager who has had a lot of input in to the recruitment side of the club in the past two seasons.
Conor Hourihane has struggled of late for fitness and his form has certainly deteriorated but Cooper remains a huge fan.” He's needed a bit of managing lately after coming back from a hamstring injury and playing a load of games. So we've had to be a little bit careful with him. He's such a committed lad. He will give you the same answer as me, I'm sure. Let's just focus on these remaining games and not let any sideshow get involved." That’s strange because when you read above that the recruitment is down to Winter and Scott, then when asked about Conor Hourihane he states " I don't think either of us have thought about that. "We love Conor. He's been a brilliant addition for us”
So what is it ? We rely on a credible few to keep our club safe, not in the words of Cooper " any sideshows” to distract them, think about it.
Rivals
Brentford have only won two of their last nine games without Josh Dasilva, and that’s no coincidence. The midfielder is a top quality player at this level and integral to the way the Bees play. But, there’s nothing that Tommy the Frank engine or anyone else can do, so it’s now down to others to step up and to make their mark on the huge upcoming games. Brentford it could be said have played no better or worse than the swans this past three months or so. Now in fifth place Frank was open as to his teams injury plight. "We need to see in terms of how they are in terms of the play-offs, both for Rico and for Henrik. Josh is a longer one. Josh is out for the season.” It could well be that Brentford are without three very influential players come the end of the season still.
For us here at Swansea Independent, Watford have deservedly got their heads firmly on and fully focussed. They will secure second place and a return to the premier league, in fact both Norwich and Watford fully deserve to be in the top two. Bournemouth in third entertain Brentford on Saturday, a win for the cherries will put them in to third spot comfortably. Barnsley host struggling Rotherham United who are running out of chances to save themselves from relegation to League one. If as predicted both Bournemouth and Barnsley win then the swans will kick off at Reading in fifth place and Brentford in sixth. With two games to go after this weekend home to Derby then away to Watford, it’s down to the usual fine margins.
Everybody will want to avoid Bournemouth in the play offs, and if the swans do get the point they need its looking - on form - more than likely that the two sides could face each other in the play off semi finals. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen, a one off game at Wembley will suit the swans far better.
Reading v Swansea City kicks off at 12 noon on Sunday and is LIVE on Sky Sports
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