Russell Martin looked a tad despondent after the frustrating loss at Preston North End on Tuesday night. And you can understand why, you set a team up and when they return no dividends until late on in the second half after changes it must be not only annoying, but mentally challenging.

A coach can only do so much, and what Russell Martin has assembled given the plenty of time he has been given has seen an improvement reflected by recent league positions. That’s a tick in the box. What some swans fans don’t seem to get to grips with is the type of game we saw on Tuesday at Preston and indeed away at Burnley. Understandably so with regards to the Burnley game, that was a disaster which Martin took full blame for.When we look at Preston this week that was a game that should have been put to bed by the eightieth minute of the contest, and then a cruise to a win.

That’s frustrating.

Anyone who watches Swansea City week in week out knows the systems employed do work, it’s just lacking tempo but when the pace of the game increases it’s a lovely watch. That’s the next stage for Martin to manage and ensure his players implement is a more energised mindset throughout the game. Wigan Athletic on Saturday is the next test before two away games next week. On the face of it Birmingham City away is the big test. The swans will have a huge support at St Andrew’s for that game. Then its Huddersfield on the Saturday, indications are that could well be with a new a manager for the terriers.

They are currently bottom the league.

For Saturday Captain Matt Grimes is missing his first game due to collecting five yellows, and some will be happy with that. What the swans will miss are those moments of pure genius as we saw from his passing against Cardiff City. However, there are options, and a number of them. Olly Cooper and Jay Fulton haven’t done themselves any harm, Olivier Ntcham on his day is unplayable, but those days aren’t as regular as anyone would like, especially when he starts. Ryan Manning is as versatile a player than we have had at Swansea for a long time, but his contribution on Tuesday was decent in Matt Sorinola’s role but adapted throughout the game especially when Armstrong Oko-Flex came on. He supported Joel Latibeaudiere well on the same flanks. Did anyone notice Latibeaudiere’s switch play on Tuesday ? He seems happier out on the right. Luke Cundle will also be in contention, he does play well at home.

It’s a decent fixture for the swans and many will see it as a home win. Of course we all have home defeats against Luton, Blackburn and Sheffield United still fresh in our minds. That’s the type of performance which if delivered this weekend will set certain supporters off on a return to what some call the old Martin way, whatever that is. But of course we don’t want that, what we do want is a side now that after fifteen months of Martin stewardship gets through these blips, maintains its progression and gives some hope of excellent football and winning football matches.

Especially when a team in Wigan’s position turn up.

Wigan haven’t won a game in five attempts, they have had home defeats to the likes of Cardiff, Middlesbrough and Reading. However, a lot of their games are decided by the odd goal. It’s never going to be easy playing a side fighting for their lives in the bottom three. On the road Wigan had a good start to the season, winning away at Luton, Huddersfield, Birmingham City and Rotherham. They do know how to win away from home.

Will Keane, yet another Republic of Ireland international with six goals and three assists is the Latics danger man, at twenty nine his career cites a goal every three games, the same as this season at Wigan. Tie him down and the issue is addressed. He has a wise head and will need attention. Nathan Broadhead who is on loan from Everton is another threat. His early career saw him picked for Wales
and now he has featured at under 21 level as well. He hasn’t featured in every game this season but has three goals under his belt. Ten goals from twenty games last season on loan at Sunderland is a big clue.

If the swans allow these two to flourish it won’t be a good day, they will take advantage. But we all want to see a resurgent Swansea City come Saturday, we know exactly what they are capable, so let’s see it.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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