Put aside yesterday’s result against Peterborough, it matters not, it was superb, but it is done. What is ahead of us this week is the most testing week in Russell Martin’s short tenure. Away games at Coventry City and Bournemouth rank up there with the most difficult the Championship can throw up. And will test the resources of not only Swansea City, but Martin’s ability to manage at the highest level he has ever experienced.
Coventry City are up first, and their season to date has been exceptional, and one bright light in their armoury is Viktor Gyökeres. A player who was never really given an opportunity by Steve Cooper last season. Not that this clear and obvious mistake by the ex swans manager has been muted by fans compared to Russell Martin’s alleged deficiencies mentioned by the few. Mark Robins has at last managed to find a side that reflects his desire and way he wants to play. It’s taken some time. But he has really shown up this season. Matt Godden scored the winner on the weekend at Hull City, and the sky blues will be favourites, make no mistake.
So where is the comfort for Swansea City fans ? Or more importantly where is the comfort for Russell Martin and his coaching team ? Well, first off the sky blues have had a few real mares this season. They got battered 5-0 by Luton Town recently, but then as you would expect from a class side they played Fulham in their next game, and could have scored ten let alone the four they did bag, with Fulham getting just the one. Coventry City have lost to QPR, Barnsley and Preston this season, but not dramatically, however, Barnsley away was exceptionally poor. But they do score goals, and quite a few. Twenty plus this season with some inspirational performances as well being the key.
Yes, Coventry fans believe Gyökeres is worth twenty million
Russell Martin’s side may feel more relaxed away at Coventry City on Tuesday, he will have one eye on the upcoming Bournemouth game, a place the swans rarely get anything from, and Russell Martin as well for that matter. It’s an ideal opportunity for a few players to get some game time, but may be experimenting away from home at a place like Coventry isn’t a good idea ? The Bournemouth game is different. They are running away with matters currently, and any result, a draw, or a sneaky win will do. Let’s face it, it’s unlikely. Bournemouth have a very talented squad, and of course filled with talent behind the first eleven too, we know about Jamal Lowe of course.
Their ability to save a point when they look under the cosh is the most impressive trait they possess for me. Unbeaten after fifteen games, again scoring plenty of goals, they look pretty much nailed on for a Premier League return. This game will invoke memories of Russell Martin’s last trip to the Vitality stadium. It was his last game in charge at MK Dons, they lost 5-0. Dominic Solanke is the cherries biggest threat, but Philip Billing is another player who likes a goal. Anything gained from this game will be an exceptional result for the swans. Both of these players have similar goal returns to that of Joel Piroe and Jamie Paterson, although the latter for me won’t keep up his great recent track record form wise. Obviously if he did we would all be delighted, but it isn’t something Paterson has ever done in his long career to date.
Solanke is one of the divisions biggest goal threats
It’s the one week this season where Russell Martin has to utilise his squad cleverly. Two really hard away games, both can easily be lost, and in both cases you give these sides the opportunity to score a few, they most likely will annihilate you by five or six. Martin then gets yet another two week training camp for the international break, time to reflect on what will be the most demanding week of the season so far, and that’s taking in to consideration the beating of West Brom and Cardiff City.
What will you be happy with this week ?