Swansea City will be boosted with the support of more than 4,300 fans as Kenny Jackett’s side hope to create a huge cup upset when they take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tomorrow.
Vital Quotes:
Kenny Jackett: ”There will be a number of changes from our first-choice side, but teams are always evolving and I think we will do well,”
”It’s about the players who are going, not the ones who are staying behind, and I can sense some anticipation among them.
”We’re the underdogs, of course, and that’s unusual for us these days.
”Usually we’re talking about complacency going into cup games, and it will be interesting to see how the players react.
”I’m hopeful they can thrive on it and I do feel we’ll give a good account of ourselves.
”The players are looking forward to it and I really believe we can get a result.”
Neil Warnock: ‘Although there will be changes, we’ll play a strong side which by and large would play in the Premiership,’
‘We don’t want another Colchester and, while survival in the league is our priority, we do want to progress in the cup.
‘I don’t want to be silly and treat the competition with disrespect.’
Sheffield Utd Team News:
Warnock will be without captain Chris Morgan and striker Rob Hulse as they are both suspended for tomorrow’s game.
Mikele Leigertwood is also out with a calf injury while Paul Gerrard will continue to play in goal with the absences of Paddy Kenny and Ian Bennett.
Player to watch: Law
From Vital Sheffield United: Nicky Law may well get the chance to come back into the side after his Premiership debut earlier in the season, and the youngster will be hoping to impress against Swansea.
Swansea Team News:
Jackett chances of a Cup upset tomorrow look slim with the absences of quite a few first teamers. Trundle serves the 2nd of a 3 match suspension while captain Darren Pratley is out injured.
Craney is cup tied and joins fellow midfielders Owain Tudur-Jones, Shaun MacDonald and Darren Way on the sidelines.
Jackett will be hoping both Robinson and Painter come through late fitness tests. Robinson has been suffering from a back injury this week while Painter missed training recently with an illness.
With our midfield particularly struck with injuries, I’d imagine O’Leary will be back in the side possibly alongside Alan Tate, with Amankwaah at right back.
Williams looks the obvious choice to come in if Robinson doesn’t make it.
Player to watch: O’Leary
I think if he does start then he’s got a vital role to play in the centre and that midfield battle will be vital if we want to get a result. Also to watch out for is Britton, our most in-form player at present.
Match Facts & Stats
Our last game at Bramall Lane was nearly 18 years ago, we lost 5-1! In 1964 we beat them at home 4-0 but we haven’t won at Bramall Lane since March 1939.
Sheffield United have lost 3 and won 2 in their last 5 Premiership games. Their 2 victories include a superb 1-0 home win over Arsenal. Their other win was 1-0 away at Wigan.
Swansea have won 3, lost 1 and drawn 1 in their last 5 League One games.
Head-To-Head: Sheffield United 16, Swansea City 8, Draws 9.
Match Prediction:
With the players we have out and especially our ‘not-as-good-as-it-could-be’ strikeforce, I can’t really see us causing an upset, the Blades should go through as comfortable winners, 3-1 home win.
Next Fixtures:
Bradford City Vs Swansea City: Sat 13th Jan 07, 3.00pm.
