please log in to view this image SWANSEA CITY v WATFORD please log in to view this image The Liberty Stadium Saturday 2nd January 2021 Kick Off 1500 GMT please log in to view this image Swansea have been one of the best teams in the Championship this season, and they are third in the table, four points behind league leaders Norwich, with eleven wins, seven draws and four losses from 22 games. Swansea have had an outstanding record at home, they’ve lost just once at home this season, and that was early in the season, Swansea are unbeaten in their last eight home games, with five wins and three draws. Swansea has had the best defensive record in the Championship, they’ve kept six clean sheets in their last seven games, conceding just twelve goals in 22 games this season, the lowest in the division. Watford have also had a good season so far, they are fifth in the Championship table, with ten wins, seven draws and four losses from 21 games. Watford have had one of the best defensive records in the Championship, they’ve kept five clean sheets in their last nine games, and have conceded fifteen goals in 21 games, only Swansea have conceded less this season. Watford have not been outstanding on the road, they’ve won just two out of ten away games, although to be fair, they’ve drawn five of them, losing just three. Watford is coming off a win at home against Norwich, and they’ll be eyeing their second consecutive win Saturday. Team News Watford have reported that they have no new injuries, and some returning players have been taking part in training sessions, but Xisco Muñoz is not giving anything away about the likely team. WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, ENJOY THE GAME
In the Premier League Swansea was seen as an easy game that we had to win. Now it is seen as a difficult game that we have to win.
Once when stalking carp / barbel on river Lea I saw a Swan get stung by what I thought was a Hornet early in the morning, it didn't look best pleased. The "bug" flew off and a few feathers were ruffled, looked like a score draw to me that one. I must have been 15ish then. Footballing wise, despite my best intentions, I haven't followed the Champ as much as I'd have liked to. Watford's games, for sure though. I know that Swansea are going to be a hard nut to crack, I've seen their results and a few game highlights. I'm not up to speed on many of the other teams though, owed to my lacking in following up on other games apart from results. This isn't anything to do with arrogance, this league is as tough as my father-in-law, just lack of time recently. Muñoz; can he get off to a double whammy? Why doesn't the Watford observer have a "ñ" key? Give the new boss a bit of respect, sure I can't spell the best but hey this is his NAME so get it right! Lazy journalism at it's best there. A win tomorrow, away, would really raise spirits substaintially. I am raising one now, but only a "Don Fulano," a nice organic drip which I doubt they sell out of México. ¡Tequila 2021, a huevo cabrones! Tough one tomorrow, just watched the highlights from Norwich and if TD9 and AG, if played, can start shooting and stop shanking chances then maybe we are in for a chanc(g)e away from home. If not, why not a manager change ever game, get the bounce back to the prem? On another note, I am enjoying this league so much more, it really is fun being a yo-yo(ish) manager-merry-go-round club, to a certain extent. It is where we bloeng really. Brexit rules might change all of this if we don't go up this seaon IMHO, might make a change of Pozzo minds as their model wo't fit. I think they'll sell if we don't go up this season, unfortunately. BTW - I guess Muñoz is as tied as Ivic, no team news anywhere despite my best intents on tinternet. COYH!!! If all eslse fails, try (win in) wales! (Twin town reference)
Just in case we feel like having a rant at the officials, here are their names. Referee: Darren Bond Assistants: Daniel Leach, Mark Pottage Fourth Official: John Busby
Almost 43 years ago: please log in to view this image Tosh’s first match in charge was against today’s opponents, Watford managed by future England Manager, Graham Taylor. There were more than 15,000 at the Vetch. I was on the North Bank, almost opposite the players’ tunnel. A 3-3 draw and both teams promoted at the end of the season (Watford as Champions)
Chalobah in for Capoue. Probably no real surprise. No Perica on the bench so a bit light in attacking options.
Joel Latibeaudiere makes his second Swansea City start as he comes into the starting line-up for this afternoon’s meeting with Watford. The defender replaces Ryan Bennett, who misses out after picking up a hamstring injury in the midweek draw against Reading. That is the only change from the goalless draw with the Royals, while Morgan Gibbs-White is named among the substitutes as he features in a matchday squad for the first time since October following a foot fracture. Young defender Cameron Evans is also on the bench. You can view the official team sheet HERE. Freddie Woodman is in goal, with Latibeaudiere lining up alongside Ben Cabango and Marc Guehi in the Swansea defence. Connor Roberts and Jake Bidwell will provide width from wing-back, with skipper Matt Grimes again joining up with Jay Fulton and Korey Smith in midfield. Jamal Lowe and Andre Ayew lead the Swansea attack. Swansea City: Freddie Woodman; Joel Latibeaudiere, Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Jamal Lowe, Andre Ayew. Substitutes: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Morgan Gibbs-White, Viktor Gyokeres, Wayne Routledge, Yan Dhanda, Cameron Evans, Jordon Garrick, Kasey Palmer. Watford: Ben Foster, Jeremy Ngakia, Ben Wilmot, Tom Cleverley, Troy Deeney (captain), Ken Sema, Nathaniel Chalobah, Andre Gray, Kiko Femenia, Ismaila Sarr, Francisco Sierralta. Substitutes: Daniel Bachmann, William Troost Ekong, Adam Masina, James Garner, Will Hughes, Marc Navarro, Sam Dalby, Joseph Hungbo, Kane Crichlow. Referee: Darren Bond
https://talksport.com/radioplayer/live/talksport2.html?popup=1 Live on Talk Sport 2 if anyone wants commentary only.
