Back to the real stuff…

They say that a week is a long time in football and two weeks definitely is as we face a Villa side that have been through the mill with a change in management following a disappointing run of form over the past couple of months.s link

Dean Smith takes control of Villa for the first time as the home team look to end a run of five straight defeats to the Swans in front of a crowd of more than 40,000 at Villa Park.

Aston Villa captain James Chester will return for Dean Smith’s first game in charge of the club as they take on Swansea City.

The Wales defender was banned for the 2-1 defeat at Millwall, while striker Scott Hogan (groin) is also fit.

“We know they are going to be organised and they are going to be strong,” was the view of Graham Potter ahead of the game

“And we know that we are going to have to be good. We need to rise to the occasion, because I think this will be a fantastic football occasion and hopefully a great advert for the Championship.

“It’s probably as tough an environment as we could go into in this division.

“Not long ago it might have been quite a negative environment for the home team, where you feel if you keep them quiet for a little while the supporters might turn.

Stats fans will love the following two stats ahead of the game

* The Swans are the only Championship side yet to score from a set piece this season whilst Aston Villa have conceded the most from set pieces with 11

* The Swans have not scored a first half away league goal since December 2017 – 16 trips ago.

The game will be preceded by a minutes silence in memory of former Villa Chairman Sir Doug Ellis.

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