ROBERTO LOOKS TO 12th MAN

A big crowd will pack into the Liberty Stadium this afternoon as the Swans take on Forest in one of the season’s biggest draws and Roberto Martinez is looking to his 12th man.

It is the first time Martinez will have experienced Forest at home since an exquisite chip back in 2005 earned the Swans a draw when they topped the league. He knew then that the atmosphere could be good and he knows now that this afternoon we can really make the difference

“I’m looking forward to the game and it’s one of those fixtures all the fans and players look for at the start of the season,” he told the Western Mail

“It is a glamorous game. Leeds and Nottingham Forest are the two most glamorous teams in this league and they are a clear indication of how strong the division is.

“It’s early in the season, but it is a fantastic start at home for us.

“I know there is huge anticipation around the city about this game. It is one of those special afternoons.

“You walk into the Liberty Stadium and you can just feel it. You don’t play a European Cup-winning club too often and that’s why everyone is looking forward to it.”

It was said many times when the Swans were at the Vetch that the crowd was like a 12th man but less so at the Liberty with away supports of 300ish being dwarfed in a 3000+ seater stand but today Roberto is ready for us to make a difference and it will be electric at times with the Swans football becoming more of a pleasure to watch by the week

“Sometimes when you have two teams at the same level it does make a difference playing at home and having your fans behind you,” he said.

“They really do play a big role and we are looking forward to seeing them by our side.

“We know they will be as patient and understanding as they always are when we try to play our way and we are looking forward to giving them an exciting afternoon.

“If you can be above Forest at the end of the season, you are going to be looking at promotion

“You can see that they have spent a bit of money and brought a few players in.

“I think you will see a very strong side from them and it’s going to be a huge test for us.

“Last season they weren’t too far away from promotion and the size and tradition of the club is always going to be an advantage for them. But it’s something we need to overcome.”

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