Not that it wasn't interesting before. A match between Swansea City and Cardiff City is always intense and there is so much riding on this for the Swans - but with Garry Monk leading the line it has an additional twist.
If there's ever been a must-win match for Swansea, this is it. A draw won't do and a loss isn't worth thinking about.
Unfortunately for us fans, it's a must-win game for a team that's been so devoid of passion, skill and goals recently. It's not just Chico who's embarrassing - the whole side has been a let down. Arguing, no fight, no organisation, passing for passing's sake and generally looking clueless.
However - things are changing.
Michael Laudrup was sacked for a reason. It's not just down to the last few games as the national media may lead you to believe, it's because of months of lacklustre displays and unrest in the Swansea camp. But as Swans fans you don't need me to tell you this!
The appointment of Garry Monk as temporary manager alongside Alan Curtis will instantly instill some passion - the crucial element in a derby - back into the side. And with the likely addition of Michu (on the bench at least) we are back to an almost full strength squad.
Not to mention the fact that this time it's on our turf. The Liberty Stadium crowd have a vital role to play on Saturday in motivating the team.
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| We may finally see some passion with Monk in charge |
So things are changing for the better and I honestly believe we can and will win on Saturday!
But for this to happen we need concentration from the players. No laughing about and joking in the tunnel or during the warm-ups. It's not about you today, it's about Swansea City winning against our bitter rivals. It's your chance to pay us back for the embarrassing display last time around.
There's no way Cardiff are going to lay down or play for the draw. It's a derby and they will be desperate to embarrass us again and do the double. And they are playing for survival, which is the biggest incentive they need. Cardiff, despite their position, are also now a stronger attacking team with the additions of Kenwyne Jones and Wifried Zaha. It's not going to be an easy game (and that's the only respect I'm giving to Cardiff).
However we have a Wilfried of our own and we hope he can smash a couple in. If there's a match we need him to be on top form in, it's this one!
It's got to be attack, attack, attack for Swansea. It doesn't matter if we have 50 shots, as long as one goes in they will all be worth it. That's why I think Monk should start with a different formation, perhaps 4-4-2.
My adventurous team for Saturday (this is assuming Shelvey is still injured, with Michu on the bench) would be:
Tremmel
Rangel, Amat, Williams, Davies
Dyer, Britton, Pozuelo, Routledge
Bony, N'Gog
That's pretty attacking, but it could pay off. It would be great to see Michu make an appearance instead of N'Gog if fit, and Shelvey instead of Pozuelo. However Britton and Dyer are both must starts (and I'm sure Monk knows it!).
It's going to be tight - a South Wales derby always is. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be a draw, but Swansea need to pick up points and perform well for the sanity of the fans. So, providing everything goes to plan, my prediction is an exact reverse of the score earlier this season: 1-0 to the Swans.
Come on Swansea!
For some great online odds check out http://www.888sport.com/football/football-betting.htm ahead of the match!
Chico will start - no doubt. I don't enjoy his acting anymore than the next man, but we need his height at the back against Turner and Caulker from set pieces.
ReplyDeleteI think we're more likely to go with De Guzman alongside Britton in CM, and play Pozuelo as the 5th midfielder, behind Bony. I don't think there's any chance of us playing a 4-4-2.
Yeah 4-4-2 is a long shot isn't it! I also forgot de Guzman was back from injury... Ok I will amend my starting line up to:
DeleteTremmel, Rangel, Amat (still prefer him to Chico, despite the height), Williams, Davies; Dyer, Britton, de Guzman, Pozuelo, Routledge; Bony