Walsall v Swansea - Match Preview

It seems somewhat of a travesty that the Swans have just one point from their two games to date. Having outplayed both Oldham and Nottingham Forest it would not be unsafe to say that we should be out in front with maximum points and, with some more composure in front of goal and a little bit of luck we could easily have seen a maximum point return from two of our toughest fixtures of the season.

In between those two league games we did lock horns with Saturday's opponents when goals from Paul Anderson and Jason Scotland saw them beaten 2-0 in the Carling Cup at the Liberty last Tuesday, setting up a tie with Premiership Reading in the process.

It will be a much changed Swansea side from that outing but we will be able to take heart from the ease in which we beat Walsall although we would have to ensure that we don't under estimate them as a result. On their own patch with league points at stake is a different kettle of fish entirely and one that we will need to be mindful of.

With Alan Tate not yet fully recovered from the injury sustained in that Walsall game, Martinez is likely to do battle with the same side that started against Forest last weekend - meaning another chance for Scotland and Duffy up front as they look to cement a partnership that shows early signs of being very fruitful. With the defence and midfield pretty much picking itself at the moment, the Swans are likely to line up as follows

Doris

Rangel Monk Lawrence Painter

Britts Pratley Ferrie Robbo

Scotland Duffy

Paul Anderson could well be in line for a return to the matchday squad following his injury and he is likely to feature on the bench alongside Bussy, KOL, Kev Austin and the reserve keeper.

Walsall will be pleased to welcome back into their squad both Martin Butler and Edrissa Sonko who should both play some part in the 16 man squad for the game.

The Swans will be very mindful of their last visit to Walsall for a league game - a Paul Connor inspired performance that day saw them win 5-2 on the road, sparking the start of what was undoubtedly the best period of Kenny Jackett's reign. A similar performance tomorrow would be more than welcome and would finally see the side moving towards the rewards that the football surely deserves at this point in time.

A decent sized away support is expected to make the trip to the West Midlands for the game making for a vocal following for the team for the second time this season. With trips to Cheltenham and Leeds being the next two games, it really could make the difference in these games with the vocal support so be loud and be proud.

I really cannot see past a Swansea win in this game based on the football so far and on the evidence of the Carling Cup tie so I will plump for a 2-0 Swansea win with a brace from Darryl Duffy being the difference. Nobody would complain at that surely?

C'MON THE JACKS

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