This afternoons game from the swansea.com stadium has become something of a defining moment for Russell Martin this week. Not only does he want to see another top performance at home, after three months of poor form it will show clearly his ability to turn around and get his team going again.

The swans go in to this game comfortably placed in mid table with little or no fear of relegation, so today’s game could see a more relaxed and confident Swansea City. It will of course display the teams ability to react positively to the away win at West Bromwich Albion, to show some consistency, and for Russell Martin to answer back some of his fiercest critics.

Talking before today’s game Martin stated “We have to back up Monday with another good performance and result, because sometimes this season we have followed up a good performance with a poor one for one reason or another. If we can get the same guys on the pitch that would be great to build some consistency. If we can continue to build those relationships and connections then that will be even better for us.” And of course he is right. Monday wasn’t exceptional by any means, and West Brom are the poorest side on form in the league, but a win as they say is a win.

Looking forwards to today’s game the swans boss spoke about Mark Robins, manager of Coventry City and a coach who has been given plenty of time to introduce a specific way of playing. “I like and respect what they’ve done over time, what Mark and his staff have done. “They’ve shown how important it is to have a philosophy and to have time to implement it. We’re at home. We like being at home and if we can replicate the performance we put up there we can hope for a good result. I think it will be a good game, they will not come here to try and stop us playing, they will want to impose themselves and I am looking forward to it”

This should be an attractive game, we know that Swansea City will attempt to dominate proceedings which always shows the intent to win a game of football. It’s coming up from 3pm, and that Saturday afternoon anticipation is here.

Artwork by Swansea Independent