The Swans get ready to go again for the second half of the season. It’s a big first game against Norwich City a team who find it difficult to stay in the Premier League but are usually top quality in the Championship.
Unusual season once again with the World Cup taking place just before Christmas and causing an enforced mid-season break. The unusualness of it makes it a challenge for clubs to manage. It seems the Swans have managed it pretty well. Players had the best part of a week to relax and recuperate. This followed by a week in Edinburgh with two good wins against Hearts and Dundee United, which will be good for confidence and important for maintaining match fitness. And closing with a week back at Fairwood with game reviews and preparation for Saturday.
Saturday is such a big game for both teams. For Russell Martin and Gilly, it’s hosting a team very close to their hearts and one which earlier speculation linked Martin to a not yet vacant post at Norwich. For Norwich coach Dean Smith, a loss to the Swans would increase speculative stories of Martin as a replacement, although I find that difficult to accept as a possibility. More importantly it’s the opportunity for the Swans to set the standard they want for the remainder of the season which, if performances make possible, could lead to promotion.
It will be interesting to see how the squad is going to be used. In Scotland all the travelling players were used. So, the coming weeks will see some big questions answered? Will we see playing time for Stevens and Oko-Flex? If not could they return to their clubs and new loans worked on? Will Congreve be brought back into the mix? Will Ogbeta be used at all? With the imminent transfer window, it is the chance for players to present themselves and the risk from losing Piroe, Obafemi, Ntcham or Grimes.
Nathanael Ogbeta, rarely seen since joining the swans
Will Joe Allen play on Saturday. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if he does — see the latest indie article on this. From performances in Qatar, it seemed that Joe is not fit and may need more time. If so that should be fine as we will need a fit Joe. Also, Jay Fulton has been outstanding in midfield and is more than able to cover.
You can catch up with Joe here –> The Indie on Joe Allen
Another issue will be the use of Piroe and Obafemi. Can Martin play both from the start and, if so, can Piroe be effective in the deeper role. Playing out from the back appears much more assured now than it was. That still leaves us lacking the penetration to score goals. Hopefully, Piroe and Oba will hit a hot streak and the break has been used to look at more creative and pacy ways to attach defences that sit back.
Whatever happens a lot of questions will be answered and hopefully we’ll set the standard for the rest of the season.
Swansea City v Norwich City kicks off on Saturday at 3pm, tickets for the fixture are still available from the official club website