It’s the home game Russell Martin has been waiting for since the goalless returns against Hull City and Millwall. Since then an admirable and spirited fight back against Luton Town, and a back slapping performance with nine team changes against Brighton has been the return. However, today swans fans will want to see goals and points.

Since Martin’s arrival we have all seen improvement, but the new team ethic needs to be seen on the pitch as well. Some would say the end of the so called honeymoon period is fast approaching, others are more patient. When Martin says things like this you get the impression he is now challenging his players as much as he ever has since his arrival “The point is you have to perform. When you are given a chance to play in a team you have to fight to stay in the team,” he said. At the minute, I have a best eleven who are ready to play and are physically in good shape to play. But that can change very, very quickly in football. I think we are slowly getting there towards having a more consistent starting eleven, and it’s about the players making sure they stay in that team”

So Russell Martin lays down the gauntlet to his squad this week, maybe he too is going to become as demanding as some sections of the Swansea fan base ? There has to come a time when the points start rolling in as a result of wins not draws, because those one point additions each week have left the swans in relegation trouble as it stands. On his team selection Martin is clear, “I am sure there will be surprises along the way but the best players don’t get to be on the pitch if they are not willing to put the team first. “We have a great group of guys here who are willing to put the team first and put their egos to one side. “That is what will be required. The team will change but I am sure it will become obvious over time who the top performers are and they will be playing more often than not."

Today’s game against Huddersfield Town see’s a full strength Swansea City side playing at home in front of their own supporters. Everyone fully fit and raring to go. Huddersfield have two away wins already under their belt and have started the season better that the swans that’s for sure. Their manager Carlos Corberán has done his Swansea homework too "I’ve watched some of their games from this season and they should have won some of them. They haven’t had much time with their new coach, but they are performing well and beginning to get to the level that they want to achieve. The key to the game is Huddersfield. We need to have enough confidence and personality, and believe in ourselves.” The terriers have started the season well with a 4-0 home win against Reading and a very pleasing 3-0 away win at Blackpool. However they showed their frailty last week losing at home to Nottingham Forest and taking a battering 5-1 at home to Fulham. The 2-1 away win at Sheffield United though should give swans fans all the clues they need regards the terriers ability to bounce back and perform. Corberán has the same side to select from as he did last week against Forest.

The odds are stacked in favour of a return to the first team for Matt Grimes and Olivier Ntcham after being rested in midweek and Michael Obafemi will return. Joel Piroe and Jamie Paterson will also feature, with the only real issues being how Martin sets up his defence. He has mentioned that Rhys Williams has had a tough week so it could be he continues with Ben Cabango and Ryan Bennett with Kyle Naughton in a back three. Ethan Laird will certainly start, with either Ryan Manning or Jake Bidwell on the left. Ntcham proved his quality last Saturday at Luton, so we can maybe expect him to start alongside Paterson with Grimes tucked in behind. That leaves the option of a front two or an extra midfielder in Flynn Downes.

Huddersfield did the double on the swans last season with Duane Holmes being the star man, he has hardly had the best of starts this season so swans fans will hope it stays that way if he features today.

Swansea City v Huddersfield Town kicks off today at 3pm

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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