Darling to start against Sunderland as defender makes return

Harry Darling should make his return to the starting line up this weekend when he takes up his place in the Swans defence as they go in search of a second consecutive win on the road.

The win against Hull two weeks ago has been dampened by back to back home defeats and the bottom three closing in on the Swans at the wrong end of the table but a win against a Sunderland side this weekend will ease the pressure that has grown on the squad due to those defeats against Leeds and Ipswich.

The centre back pairing of Ben Cabango and Nathan Wood has come under much scrutiny and criticism in the absence of Darling who (substitute appearance last weekend aside) has been missing since the 3-1 defeat at Leicester last month.

It is expected that Darling will take the place of Cabango in the Swans defence although the chance that he plays at right back is also one under consideration with the Swans absentees in that position seemingly increasing week on week.

A change though at the centre back pairings is the one most needed at the moment even if it is just to break the cycle that sees confidence reduce and mistakes most likely which seems to be where we are with Wood and Cabango at the moment.

By bringing back in Darling we are also increasing our attacking options at set pieces with the defender certainly the most likely of anyone in his position to grab a goal during games.

The Swans will face a Sunderland side who have made two managerial changes themselves this season and Michael Dodd will take charge of the side for the remainder of the season following the removal of the seemingly not liked Michael Beale.

The Swans are expected to not report any more injury concerns ahead of the game and there was also the hint of a chance that Charlie Patino could return to the starting line up.

Patino has been another one whose absence has been missed with much criticism again aimed at our midfield pairing of Grimes and Fulton particularly in the games where the opposition have found it too easy to get through our midfield, leaving our defence more exposed.

“He (Patino)  came to see me the other day off his own back asking if we could have a chat,” Williams told WalesOnline. “He was in my office for about an hour and he talks so passionately about football.

“I think Charlie sometimes, what’s in him, the passion and the love he has for football, doesn’t always come out of him. Just because of his personality, he can give appearance of being very laid back. Very calm and without intensity.

“But actually inside he’s very passionate and has so much desire. At the top level of the Championship the physicality is just mind-blowing. I think this is probably the toughest thing for Charlie at the moment.

“But I think if the team plays with control more and controls the game with the ball more. Charlie’s going to be exceptional. He has a way into the team. There’s no doubt.”

You can keep up to date with all the pre, during and post match discussion for the game this weekend by visiting our matchday thread provided by Jackharris.   Take a look at the pre-match build up by clicking here