* The Unofficial "Official" Boro v Swansea Match-of-the-Day Thread *
- Thread starter r00fie1
- Start date
Glover_elbow
Well-known member
They are normally really open on the counter I expect us and in particular archer to have a field day provided we don't concede early again
Frozen Horse
Well-known member
Could be famous last words of course, but Swansea have been divisional poster boys for aimless possession for a few seasons now.
I think they're too burdened with the supposed "Swansea way" of playing from when they were first in the PL. If it doesn't help them score or stop conceding, possession isn't worth much.
r00fie1
Well-known member
Swansea City's crunch three games assessed as Russell Martin faces pivotal week
The Swans play just three more times before the Championship schedule is halted for the international break and need to ease the pressure on boss Russell Martin
www.walesonline.co.uk
Swansea City's crunch three games assessed as Russell Martin faces pivotal week
The Swans play just three more times before the Championship schedule is halted for the international break and need to ease the pressure on boss Russell Martin
www.walesonline.co.uk
What's in store for Swansea City against Middlesbrough, Millwall and Bristol City as under pressure Russell Martin faces pivotal week
The Swans play just three more times before the Championship schedule is halted for the international break and need to ease the pressure on boss Russell Martin
Swansea City manager Russell Martin gives the thumbs up to away supporters (Image: Getty)
Swansea City have a pivotal week ahead of them prior to the international break.
Russell Martin's men have collected just one point from their last four matches since beating Blackpool 2-1 on home soil and face three in-form opponents prior to their big clash with rivals Cardiff City in April. Here's a closer look at the three sides Swansea face next and what they will hope to gain to ease the pressure on head coach Martin.
Middlesbrough
Now, this is a tough one.
Boro are the form team of the Championship and have collected 43 of the 57 points on offer since Michael Carrick took charge of the club in October, a run that has seen them climb from 21st to third in the table. Chuba Akpom is the leading goalscorer in the league having netted 21 times already this season, two of which came in his side's 5-0 thrashing of Reading at the weekend. They also like to control the ball and boast plenty of pace and power in their ranks which will no doubt pose Swansea plenty of problems, including in the form of one of Martin's January transfer targets, Cameron Archer, who has netted three times since moving to the Riverside Stadium on loan from Aston Villa.Few will predict a home win here, and Sky Bet have Boro as the 23/20 favourites to emerge victorious in the game, with a Swansea victory being priced at 9/4.
Verdict: A draw would be a fine result for the Swans. A win would be an absolute dream. Ultimately, fans will just want an improved performance as a starting point.
Millwall
One of the surprise packages of the season, the Lions are firmly in the mix for a top-six place. Wales international Tom Bradshaw is enjoying a remarkable campaign with Gary Rowett's side having netted 13 Championship goals, including hat-tricks against fellow promotion hopefuls Watford and Sheffield United. But summer signing Zian Flemming has well and truly taken the division by storm since joining from Fortuna Sittard, also bagging 13 goals this season in what has proven to be a shrewd piece of business from the London club. Only Burnley, Sheffield United, Luton Town and Coventry City boast a better defensive record than that of Millwall heading into the latest round of league fixtures, such has been their improvement at the back this term. So, as with Boro, Swansea face a difficult task at The Den on Tuesday night.
Verdict: As with the Boro game, a draw would be a positive. Avoiding mistakes could be key to nicking a win given the styles of the sides.
Bristol City
The Robins' nine-match unbeaten league run was ended by Cardiff City last weekend, although their impressive form in 2023 has seen them move well clear of the relegation zone and to the cusp of the Championship's top half. That loss came at a cost, too. Nigel Pearson is without a host of defenders and midfield talent, with Joe Williams and Tomas Kalas suffering injuries against the Bluebirds to add to their growing list of problems. Swansea have already faced Bristol City three times this season, drawing all three matches (in regular time), the third of which saw an extra-time defeat in the FA Cup third round.They were nine places and six points better off than the Ashton Gate outfit ahead of the first meeting between the sides of the season in October but, at present, are four places and two points behind them. Nevertheless, this contest represents a huge opportunity for the Swans. Despite the fixture switch due to a request from police, there will undoubtedly be a lively crowd in attendance at the Swansea.com Stadium. Going into the break with a morale-boosting success would be a major plus for Martin and his team ahead of the south Wales derby and the remainder of the run-in.
Verdict: This is one the Swans will be targeting. A win will certainly be desired here, although, given the Robins' form, a draw may not be terrible depending on the two aforementioned results.
Colgates_shaving_foam
Well-known member
Come on Boro!!! Need to keep the run going today.
NormanbyRed77
Well-known member
Teesside87
Well-known member
Wonder where Fry is
Edit: He’s ill
Edit: He’s ill
GeneParmesan
Active member
Ndiaye back in Sheff United lineup
RenzoRosso
Well-known member
Wood will probably have a blinder
r00fie1
Well-known member
Brick_Tamland
Well-known member
Ideally, we'll get three points. That's as good as it gets. If we can't, important to get a draw. A defeat is sub-optimal as we'd get no points. Kick the ball in the opponent's net more times than they kick it into ours. Do that, and I can see us winning.
well said.
