Planet Swans ArchivesChampionship football finally returns after the two week break with the Swans heading back to London and a meeting with Crystal Palace as they look to break into the Championship's top six.
After being forced out of action since the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday two weeks ago, Roberto has seen no fresh injury worries affect his team as they report back from their international duty and he is now ready to do battle with one of the kings of the wind-up in Neil Warnock.
Nearly always a target for abuse from the opposition fans and sometimes from his opposite number, Warnock is one of the characters of the game and has a record that he would be rightly proud of.
But being on the end of one of those wind-ups does not concern the laid back and calm Martinez who told the Evening Post "If there are any wind-ups going on then that is just part of the game
"It's great to face a character like Neil Warnock. He has seen and done everything at this level and I'm sure our fans will enjoy the occasion.
"I've come up against him in my playing days and there's never been any banter — I think he saves that for the media afterwards.
"During the game he is a respected figure in football and I look forward to facing him.
"I've met Neil in the past and we have always got on well. Hopefully we will be on the same terms after 5pm tomorrow.
"I always admire people who can work on low budgets and be really successful
"It's very easy to blame a lack of money and accept that you are not going to get results, but Neil has proved time after time that he can pick the right players.
"He builds strong sides that are hard to beat and are successful.
"I believe Crystal Palace will come alive sooner rather than later and that they will be force in the division again."
"Crystal Palace is going to be a tough test for us, similar to Charlton on the opening day
"This is a chance, if you like, to get the bad feeling of that game out of our system."
