Competition: Premier LeagueTime: 8pm (GMT)
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Swansea City's first ever game in the Premier League see's them pit their wits against one of the league's top teams in Manchester City at the newly named Etihad Stadium. The visitors come into the game as fierce underdogs, but their fans will be hoping that they put in a spirited performance and enjoy the game. Manchester City will want to bounce back in a positive fashion after surrendering a 2-0 lead against United last weekend in the Community Shield, and whilst they will be foolish to underestimate their opponents, Manchester City have certainly been handed tougher opposition in the past. Below is a video of our last meeting with the Swans, where we won 2-0 on the 7th April 1984.
The Sky Blue View:
Key Player?
Archie: Like last week, I will have to go with David Silva again. This man creates most attacks, and can spot and play a ball when nothing seems on. He will be able to play those defence splitting balls through and I don't think that Swansea will be able to stop this man.
Aaron: Most likely will be David Silva. He plays a pivotal role in this side and he will need to produce a lot of work to ensure we work our way through Swansea's defence.
Predicted City lineup?
Archie: Hart
Richards Kompany Lescott Clichy
De Jong Barry
Balotelli Yaya Toure Silva
Dzeko
Aaron: Hart
Richards Kompany Lescott Clichy
De Jong Barry
Aguero Yaya Toure Silva
Balotelli
 |
| We think Sinclair is there danger man |
Archie: Sinclair or Graham, both players will look very dangerous, and may challenge the City defence. However I think we will be able to keep them at bay, but both players could be a major threat.
Aaron: For me it has to be Scott Sinclair. He was Swansea's top scorer last season and he will need to play well if Swansea want to get anything from this fixture in my opinion
Prediction?
Archie: 5-0. A very high prediction, and could be unlikely but i think the Blues will be looking to impress on the first game of the season. This will be the first time the team (after the transfers) will be able to show the fans what they are really made of on the football field at Eastlands.
Aaron: It won't be an easy game, but I can't see anything but a Manchester City win. 3-0 to the Blues.
"and in the other corner...."
This week, Swansea City fan Phil Sumbler has kindly taken time out to speak to us about Swansea and their chances in tomorrow's match. Phil is the founder of Planet Swans, a website which allows Swansea fans to keep up to date on the going's on with their club. The site has over 1000 members now, and we are very happy they have agreed to do this.
TSBV: Hi Phil, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us. Before we start, it is worth pointing out that you are the first ever Welsh side to play in the Premier League. How proud are you of this achievement?
Phil: Massively so. To become the first Welsh side to appear in the Premier League is a feat that can never be taken away from us. It will make such a huge difference to the club, the city and also the fan base which - as you would imagine - has expanded massively since the Wembley win in May. TSBV: Even though it is such a great achievement, I am sure you are aware of the huge task that awaits you, what do you make of your chances this season?
Phil: It's going to be extremely tough. We know it is a big step up from the Championship but similarly we are not going to be in awe of the teams we play and aim to give a really strong account of ourselves knowing that remaining in the division for a second season will be an incredible feat in itself.
TSBV: Are you happy with the signings that Brendan Rogers has brought in over the summer?
Phil: Definitely so. Brendan sprung into action quickly with the signing of Danny Graham for a record fee but beyond that he has sat back, bided his time and waited for the right players and in Vorm, Caulker, Routledge and Lita we have four more quality additions that make us a stronger squad than the one that exited the Championship.
TSBV: And now a question we are going to be asking all fans... what are your views about City at the moment? And what do you rate of our chances this season?
Phil: City will be an interesting one this season. You have some top quality players but sometimes - as we proved last season - individual quality can be beaten by good team spirit and I'm not sure that has materialised yet within your club. Having said that your ability to strengthen in January where needed will help you although I think the title may be a step too far - 2nd place finish.
TSBV: Now onto the match... who do you believe will be your key player on Monday night and why?
Phil: You almost instinctively look at a forward player when asked a question like that but for us on Monday I think it will come down to how strong we can be defensively and much of that will be between the success of Ashley Williams and Steven Caulker
TSBV: And what is your predicted line up for Swansea?
Phil: Vorm
Rangel Williams Caulker Tate
Britton Agustien
Dyer Dobbie Sinclair
Graham
 |
| Can Mario build upon his first season? |
Phil: He may be somewhat of an enigma but I guess it has to be Mario Balotelli
TSBV: And last but not least... what is your prediction for the game?
Phil: I'll be more than happy with a 0-0 draw...!!
Once again, we thank Phil for taking the time out for speaking to us. Whilst your here, why don't you go and check out his website, it is worth taking the time out! http://www.planetswans.co.uk/
No comments:
Post a Comment