Swansea City take on West Bromwich Albion this weekend in a game that has nearly always produced goals. In fact only one of the last twenty three league and cup meetings have ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The swans did the double last season on the baggies and their form of late could well see them in a strong position going in to this match.

Ben Cabango had some real highs in his performance for Wales against Poland on Sunday, some will suggest otherwise but his performance all round was a decent one. As Ben learns at that level it can only benefit the swans. Talking about the game this week he said. “We bounced back from some of the disappointments we have had recently, we have kept two clean sheets in our last three games and we have started picking up points. We have created a lot of chances, and been solid at the back, but then we have not managed to put it all together. Against Hull it felt like we did that. As a defender you always want that clean sheet to go with a win and I feel we have been improving as the season has gone on. That’s testament to all the lads, it’s not just the defenders, the guys in front of us have to put in the hard work too. We will be ready to go again and try and pick up where we left off.”

Ben is fast becoming an easy choice for Russell Martin in his starting eleven as is Ryan Manning who has taken to the adaptable roles he plays for the swans well. His versatility is reaping rewards. Russell Martin see’s his contributions as vital this season. “He was important for us last season, albeit in a different position, but he has been great in a new role this season. He gives us such versatility, consistency and character and we hope he keeps performing as he has been.

It’s a key sign of progress that Ryan has adaptability written all over him.“Whichever position he has played he has been great for us and he is getting more accustomed to his role. He’s come a long way since we first arrived as a professional and a character, and how he conducts himself every day. He trains with intensity every day. I did not know much about him before we got here, and I joined in with one of the first sessions he had with us, and you could just tell straight away what a good footballer he is. We knew we needed to find a place for him and he is so important for us."

With a huge Swansea City support travelling to the hawthorns on Saturday despite a rail strike a win will be very much on the minds of the players to add to the latest good run of form. We will of course have features and reports all week on Swansea Independent.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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