Phil SumblerThere is nothing quite like Swansea City v Cardiff City games but you do see where Matt Grimes is coming from when he says that play off games are like derby matches.
Grimes was referring to form not really playing a part in these games especially on the back of the fact that the Swans won both games between the two sides by a 2-0 margin earlier on this season.
The bigger factors is that just two points separated the Swans and Barnsley over the course of the 46 game season and both will go into this semi final with the belief that they can come through the tie and reach the final which is scheduled for 29 May at Wembley.
Both semi final games will have fans returning to football stadia for the first time this season with Barnsley and Swansea both having set up to allow some of their fans into the ground for their respective home legs.
Whilst Barnsley fans are clearly aware who will attend tomorrow’s game, Swans fans have to wait until Wednesday to find out if they are successful in their ticket applications to be at the Liberty for the second leg on Saturday evening.
Swans captain Grimes says that the Swans though are going into the play offs full of confidence and with the belief that they can be the one that reaches in the Premier League over the course of the next couple of weeks.
“Play-off games are similar to derby matches. Form goes out the window,” said Grimes via the club’s official website.
“We won’t look much at the games we’ve played against them this season. We’ve got to focus on what’s in front of us, not what’s gone on in the past.
“When you’re out on the pitch, you’re thinking about how you can affect the game rather than what’s happened earlier in the season.
“We’ve had a really good season so far, and we’ve gone from strength to strength.
“It’s a really positive feeling in the camp, so we are going into this game full of confidence.
“It’s crazy to think some of the lads haven’t experienced the Jack Army roar yet but, when they do, I know how special that feeling is going to be.”
