Phil Sumbler
The Championship will take a second break of the season after the current round of fixtures and the Swans could easily go into that on the back of four straight wins if they were to secure a maximum return at Home Park this afternoon.
Three weeks ago that was a thought that not many Swans fans would have believed possible as the final whistle blew on the pathetic performance at Cardiff City which saw us surrender a four match winning streak against our nearest rivals.
Whether it was the wake up call generated by that result or something else the turnaround in form since that game has been incredible. An injury time goal three days later at QPR denied us a first victory of the season but since then we have seen 3-0 triumphs against both Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall before gaining a well deserved 2-1 win over Norwich on Wednesday night.
Ten points from twelve tells its own story and all of a sudden Michael Duff is seen as one of the form managers of the division – the Swans are currently 6th in the Championship form table ahead of the game.
That run of form has seen the Swans move to within four points of the play off positions and a win this afternoon could see us head into the international break in the top half of the table just a short period after many were predicting us to be in the middle of a relegation fight.
Duff is likely to be without Ben Cabango this afternoon but the moving of Bashir Humphreys to the middle on Wednesday night (albeit forced by the injury to Cabango) worked and will likely see that continue this afternoon with Duff set to name an unchanged side beyond that.
Predicted lineup: Rushworth, Key, Darling, Humhreys, Tymon, Grimes, Patino, Paterson, Lowe, Cullen, Yates
The Swans have been tested a little bit through the current winning run with injuries to Nathan Wood, Joe Allen, Josh Ginnelly and Kristian Pedersen on top of the one for Cabango but the depth in the squad is being tested with the good news for Duff being that the depth is coming good for him.
This afternoon’s game is a complete sell out for both home and away fans which will make for a great atmosphere with a more than healthy travelling support making the journey to Devon to back the Swans once again.
Lewis Gibson will miss out for Plymouth due to a foot injury but Mickel Miller remains ready after Plymouth admitted that they are managing his appearances well following his previous injury issues.
“He has had an issue with his hamstring and a thigh injury when he first joined us,” said Argyle boss Steven Schumacher.
“It’s something we are working really hard on to try to get his body in a condition that he can play three games in a week because you need your best players on the pitch.”
Former Swans midfielder Luke Cundle – now on loan at Plymouth –
“It’ll be a tough game, but we just need to concentrate on ourselves really,” said Cundle, “and improve on the things we need to improve on.
“I think you have an extra bit of motivation to do that bit better when you’re playing against a former club. I’m definitely looking forward to the game on the weekend.
“It’s not much of a difference. You know a lot of the lads who you’re going to be up against, so that’s always in your mind. You’ll speak to them probably before and after the game; it’s a bit weird in a way, but it’s not really much difference to be honest.
“They’re a team who have players who are all naturally good on the ball. I think that will always be the way they play. That’s kind of the Swansea way.”
The game at Home Park kicks off at 3pm
What are your views ahead of the game? Why not share them by leaving a comment below or joining in with our match thread here.
It will be a tough game no doubt .Certainly more optimistic than a couple of weeks ago .Can’t afford any passengers .For that reason you’ve got to leave Cullen out.