It's 3rd v 4th at the City Ground when Swansea City travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend but whilst some are surprised at the Swans challenge, Gunter says that he expected it after their return to the Championship last season.
Speaking to the Western Mail, Gunter said It will be a tough game. They are just the one place below us, so it’s a big game for both sides
“I think it will be a really good footballing game too. We are on a really good run at the moment and we are the kind of side who like to pass the ball around a bit, and so do Swansea too. I’m looking forward to it.
“We won at Swansea earlier in the season and I did have a few texts from my Cardiff friends telling we well done.
“As an ex-Cardiff player, I will probably get a few boos, but you just get on with it. It’s at our place, though, so it will be mainly support.
“Swansea had a really good season last season after they came up and they have really just carried that on.
“They had a few changes over the summer and, fair play to them, they have just kept their progress going.
“People talk about them as a bit of a surprise package in the Championship this season, but for me they have got some really good players. I know a few of them. They are no surprise to me.
“Basically there are no friends when you are out on the pitch because you need the three points too much,” said Gunter.
“You want the win a lot more than having a nice chat during the game. I’m hoping I’m going to be the happier of the pair of us come the end of the game.
“It’s still a very open race up there. Newcastle are doing well and have a lot of experience
“But we have been on such a good run at home and we need to keep that going.
“We went unbeaten away too for a long time and now that has been taken away from us. We need to focus on getting back to the way we were away from home before.
“But, while there’s a game there to be played and points to be won, we are going to keep going for it.
“I’m sure it’s the same for everyone up there, the likes of Leicester and Cardiff. Everyone wants the points for different reasons.
"It would be great to get a Welsh team in the Premiership as long as it’s not at the expense of Forest of course,” added Gunter.
“It would be brilliant. It’s good there are two Welsh teams in the play-of positions.
“It would be good if you look down at the youth development at the clubs. It would raise the standards and that could only be good for Welsh football.”
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.