Swansea City v Lorient – Looking Ahead To Last Pre-Season Test

With the new Championship season just around the corner, Swansea City welcomes French side FC Lorient to the Swansea.com Stadium for their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 2nd. This match serves as the last chance for Head Coach Alan Sheehan to fine-tune his squad and assess his options before the real action begins. It promises to be a stern test for the Swans against a team fresh from winning the Ligue 2 title and preparing for a return to France’s top flight.

For Swansea, the pre-season has been a mixed bag of results, with a focus on integrating new signings and building fitness. The Swans have faced a series of lower-league opponents, but this clash with Lorient represents a significant step up in quality and a proper dress rehearsal for the challenges ahead in the Championship. The team will be keen to put on a solid performance in front of their home support, not only to boost confidence but also to lay down a marker for the upcoming campaign.

Lorient, having clinched the Ligue 2 title, will be full of confidence. Their promotion back to Ligue 1 was well-earned, finishing two points clear at the top of the table. Their playing style is often characterized by a blend of tactical discipline and quick, attacking play. Under the guidance of their coach, they have developed a reputation for being a difficult team to break down and a potent force on the counter-attack. The Swans will need to be sharp at the back to contain their threat, particularly in wide areas.

This match is more than just a friendly; it’s an opportunity for both sides to test their mettle against different styles of play. Swansea will be looking to dominate possession, as is their trademark, but Lorient’s defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess will provide a real challenge to their build-up play. Fans can expect a competitive encounter, with both teams eager to end their pre-season on a high note.

The Opposition: Lorient’s Strengths and Recent Moves

FC Lorient, nicknamed Les Merlus (The Merlucciidae, a type of fish), have a history of developing talented players and are back in Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season. They secured a well-deserved promotion, and this friendly is a crucial part of their preparations to avoid an immediate return to the second tier. Their squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent.

In terms of transfers, the club has been active, looking to strengthen for the top division. They’ve recently secured the loan signing of Abdoulaye Faye, a young Senegalese defender from Bayer Leverkusen, to bolster their central defense. They have also seen some departures, most notably Eli Junior Kroupi, a talented young forward who has joined AFC Bournemouth. Despite these changes, the core of their promotion-winning squad remains, providing a solid foundation for their return to Ligue 1.

Three to Watch: Lorient’s Key Players

1. Laurent Abergel: The club captain and a key figure in their midfield. Abergel is a dynamic central midfielder known for his tireless work rate and leadership qualities. He is an excellent ball-winner and a driving force in Lorient’s transitions from defense to attack. His influence on the pitch is immense, and he will be a player Swansea’s midfield will need to contend with all afternoon.
2. Mohamed Bamba: The Ivorian forward is a physical and pacy presence up front. He was a crucial part of Lorient’s promotion season, scoring vital goals and often providing a constant threat to opposition defenses. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play, combined with his clinical finishing, makes him a dangerous proposition. Swansea’s backline will need to be alert to his movement in and around the box.
3. Théo Le Bris: An exciting young French midfielder who has progressed through the club’s academy. Le Bris is a creative force with a keen eye for a pass and the ability to unlock a defense. His technical skills and close control make him a tricky player to mark, and he could be the one to provide the spark for Lorient’s attack. Keep an eye on his link-up play and his ability to find space between the lines.

From a Swansea Perspective

For Alan Sheehan and his coaching staff, this is the final opportunity to assess the squad before the Championship season kicks off. The match is a chance to see how the team’s tactics hold up against a top-tier European opponent. We can expect to see a strong starting XI, likely a group that Sheehan is considering for the opening day fixture.

This game will be a key indicator of where Swansea stand in their development. The focus won’t just be on the result, but on the performance. How well does the team transition from defense to attack? Are the new signings like Ricardo Santos and Ethan Galbraith gelling with the established players? And can the attacking unit create and convert chances against a well-drilled defense?

For players like Jerry Yates, who have been linked with a move away, this could be a last chance to impress and stake a claim for a place in the team. Conversely, young players and academy prospects might get a run-out in the second half, offering them a valuable chance to show their quality. The match is also an opportunity to build crucial fitness and rhythm, which will be essential for the relentless Championship schedule.

The home crowd will be hoping for a positive performance and a win to send them into the new season with a sense of optimism. While the result is not the be-all and end-all, a confident display against a quality side would be the perfect way to conclude what has been a busy and transformative pre-season for the Swans.