Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City captain believes that the two factors – home advantage and being top of the league – will make Cardiff favourites but also adds to the pressure that is on them now to win the game.
“Cardiff have got to be favourites,” Monk told the official website. “They are at home and are top of the league. It puts extra pressure on them because they won’t want to lose on their own turf.
“The Cardiff fans expect them to get promotion this season because of the start they’ve made, the players they’ve got and the wage bill. Nothing short of promotion will be acceptable.
“On paper and statistically, Cardiff have the best and most potent strike-force in the league. Individually there are some good players in the Championship, but as a unit Cardiff are out in front.
“It’s going to be an extremely hard game, but one we are looking forward to. And don’t forget we’ve got quite a few assets of our own in our armoury. It’s not by luck we are in third place in the Championship.
“The previous derbies have shown that there is a thin line between success and failure. Sometimes it’s just that little bit of luck that gets you the win.
“If you look at last season’s derby at Cardiff, Shefki Kuqi had a great chance at the end with a header. If that had gone in we would have won it. Instead Michael Chopra goes straight up the other end and fires home an injury time winner for Cardiff when a draw probably would have been a fair result.
“Decisions like that have gone against us in recent years, so hopefully it will be our turn for a bit of luck on Sunday.”
