Phil SumblerThe speculation is over and Joel Piroe is now officially a Leeds United player and this afternoon the post-Piroe era Swans will go in search of a first league win of the afternoon when they take on Preston at Deepdale.
Three league games in the Michael Duff era have produced two points, both being earned in come from behind home draws against firstly Birmingham and then last week against Coventry.
Our sole road trip of the season saw us beaten 3-2 at West Brom two weeks ago where two late goals put a level of respectability that maybe the total play did not really deserve.
The Swans boss will want to correct that this afternoon and secure a three point return from a ground that can be difficult to win at although last season Preston lost more at home (9) than they lost away from home (8)
With no Piroe to choose from Duff is likely to turn to Liam Cullen to fill the gap left by our top scorer of the past two seasons looking at the forward to supply the firepower that will hopefully see Jerry Yates add to his two goals to date this season.
Preston’ start has been different with their three games to date producing two wins and a draw which included a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Deepdale last time out in the league although they were beaten at the venue on penalties by Salford in the Carabao Cup.
Team News
Preston – Ali McCann, who missed last weekend’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday through injury, will be available on Saturday after returning to training.
Ben Whiteman has also been back in parts of training as of Thursday morning, but he won’t be ready for the weekend as he continues his recovery from a hernia operation.
Swansea City – Michael Duff provided the update in the week “Josh Ginnelly has reported a bit of illness so we will have to see where he is at. We have also had Walshy back out on the grass, which is a positive.
“Gino is getting fitter and fitter, while Mykola and Nathan had their first real minutes for the under-21s.
“Gino is closest in terms of fitness. With Myko and Nathan they are young players, they have been brought in to be developed.
“That does not mean they are not first-team ready, but we don’t envisage them starting every game this season. We are trying to get them fit as soon as we can.”
Pay on the day for Swans fans – Swansea City supporters will be able to pay on the day for Saturday’s Championship fixture against Preston North End at Deepdale.
Matchday sales will be from the away ticket office. There is no price increase for purchases on Saturday. Cash and card are accepted at the away ticket office.
However, supporters should be aware that all other areas of the stadium are cashless will only take payment by card.
TICKET PRICES:
Adults – £28, Over-65s – £20, Ages 19 to 24 – £20, Under-19s – £10, Under-11s – £5.
The game kicks off at 3pm.
With all that’s gone on this week it’ll be difficult .Sometimes it can take the pressure off .A lot of people expectingbthe worst and you almost get a free hit.I’d like to see him play four at the back and an extra mid- fielder – preferably Joe Allen