Swans fans will travel to Middlesbrough today, in fact some are already there with such a challenging journey again for the season opener. Some 750 away tickets have been sold, but the home club have opened it up for pay on the day. The nigh on 650 mile round trip from Swansea that can take 12 hours without even planning a stop is a big test yet again on the opening day.

The injury concerns have to be addressed of course.

Ben Cabango was still not anywhere near match fit on Wednesday and head coach, Alan Sheehan has already explained that Eom and Inoussa are on limited minutes. Whether he decides to name them on the bench and bring them on as he did last Saturday against Lorient, only he will know. The other quandary is West Ham loanee, Kaelan Casey, he has only trained for one day since signing for the season from West Ham. It certainly is a risk to blood him in the opening game of the season at Middlesbrough. The other option of course is Jay Fulton who is very much a preferred player when it comes to Alan Sheehan’s choices.

The U21 side beat Crewe Alexandra 3-2 last night at the Swansea.com. Josh Ginnelly starting the game. Joel Cotterill and Cameron Congreve didn’t play offering an insight into Sheehan’s choices potentially off the bench today. Surprisingly Kyrell Wilson did play in a side which was virtually unrecognisable to the options the academy had last season. He bagged a brace. Goalkeeper, Paul Farman signed for the Swans on a one year deal yesterday morning. He hasn’t played in the Championship after being released by Barrow in the summer. The official site states he is available for tomorrow, but surely Andy Fisher will be the back up keeper to Lawrence Vigouroux ?

News on Fisher is that there have been inquiries for his services.

The team Sheehan puts out later today, and it will be a weakened side with the majority of Swans fans taking a draw already this morning. It’s also a big test for the midfield with Ethan Galbraith, Melker Widell and Gonçalo Franco potentially playing as a midfield three. Two of those players haven’t played in the Championship before. It’s definitely time for Franco to step up and be that man who dominates that area of the pitch. Ronald (centre below) you would expect to start, he is at a crucial time in his career at Swansea - but the attacking threat out wide on the left has been diminished somewhat. Zăn Vipotnik is still suffering from a toe injury and the Swans are leaving it late to decide upon his selection. Bobby Wales and Liam Cullen are fit. With so much uncertainty about the first eleven at least should include Josh Tymon in his normal role on the left, and Josh Key needs to impress on the right. You can’t expect Sheehan to play about with those choices with nothing better available.

Ollie Cooper has travelled, a good midfield option who hasn’t played to his best ability in pre season. All in all a tough enough opening game without those injuries the Swans have plaguing the side. Kick off is at 3pm in North Yorkshire.

⚽️ Transfer update : We can now reveal that Brighton midfielder, Malick Yalcouyé, a current Ivory Coast U23 international is definitely the focus of the Swans. Described as one of the brightest youngsters the Seagulls have had in a very long time, it really is surprising he is available for a loan. The news behind this is Brighton see the player as a massive prospect, and at no point will they sell him now as his potential and stock will be so high after this season and beyond he will be worth multi millions. Website, Brighton Base report that Ipswich Town and Hoffenheim tabled offers but refused to pay the loan price and salary. They also state that the deal is nearly done with Swansea. The player in other news will make the final decision. Our information is that there is some way to go before this can be announced, but Swansea fans will know before the end of the coming week. The futures of Brighton players, Matt O’Riley and Carlos Baleba seem to be the catalyst for this to progress.

It is in the air as we write this morning. But remember the fluidity of a transfer window at all times.

There are discussions going ahead now with a striker, no names have been sourced, that’s not our game - and if the Swans do get their man he will provide a buzz of excitement within the Jack Army. He has been the focus of the Swans for many months. However, the time has to be right. That may well conclude by the end of the coming week too, but talks are protracted and difficult. Both of these latest players will command a lot of cash to secure, be that on loan or permanently in the case of the current striker talks. Yes we go into the new season still bringing players in but the window is open for another three weeks and we can expect more movement inwards for sure. Yousef Erabi a forward at Hammarby isn’t being considered at this moment in time and no bid has been made.

⚽️ The opposition
Riley McGree and Finn Azaz are out. They can be added to Seny Dieng, Darragh Lenihan and Alex Bangura, also unfit. New head coach, Rob Edwards commented, “No, they won’t be in contention this weekend. We always thought they would probably miss out on this one. Finn has been looking good and we are hopeful on a quick progression with him. I don’t want to put any pressure on him right now, but we are really hopeful on next week.

“With Riley, we’re hoping we won’t have another tough year for him. The big thing now that we’re working hard on is avoiding that. The guys - the coaching team and physios - are working hard with Riley to make sure when he comes back he stays back. That’s important now, and they’re all putting in a lot of hard work to make sure that’s the case.” Callum Brittain has moved from Blackburn Rovers to Boro and is available.

On the Swans Edwards stated, “They’re very much on the front foot, and I can see them coming here and trying to do exactly that. They’ll try and press us and try to take the game to us. They’re a bit happier and a bit quicker to maybe go in behind than some Swansea teams have been in the past as well. So it provides a really difficult test for us. But we’re looking forward to it and looking forward to getting in front of our supporters.” (Teeside Live)

Our focus today is right on the Swans this afternoon, we have a reporter and photographer at the game and we will bring you all the news as we get it.

Photograph : Swansea Independent