Southampton v Swansea Competition - Sky Bet Championship Venue - St Mary’s Stadium Date - 26 December 2023 Kick off - 3pm Following their hard fought 2-1 win over Preston, next up for caretaker Head Coach Alan Sheehan’s Swansea squad is the much awaited Boxing Day encounter with ex- Swans boss Russell Martin. On Friday evening, Managerless Swansea claimed just their third home league win of the season thanks to a 95th-minute goal from Jamie Paterson. Paterson had brought a drab game to life on the hour mark with a high-class finish after a fine pass from Matt Grimes. But the goal prompted a response from Preston, with Liam Millar's equally precise effort drawing Ryan Lowe's side level just seven minutes later. Sections of the home support chanted in protest at the club's American owners - who were represented at Swansea.com Stadium by chairman Andy Coleman - with the game seemingly heading for a draw, but the mood was transformed when Liam Cullen fed Paterson and another cool finish condemned Preston to defeat. This was not an easy evening for caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan, who has been in charge since the sacking of Michael Duff 18 days ago, but Swansea were all smiles at the end having triumphed on their own ground for the first time since early October. But there was more frustration for Preston manager Lowe, whose side have lost five of their last seven games having seemed set to claim a battling point. Preston's flying start to the season is now fading in the memory, with the Lilywhites dropping to ninth in the Championship while the Swans climb to 15th. The day after the Swans beat Preston, Taylor Harwood-Bellis netted the only goal as Southampton triumphed at QPR to make up ground on the top two. The on-loan Manchester City defender volleyed in from close range just before half-time to stretch fourth-placed Saints' unbeaten run to 15 games. Rangers, who remain third from bottom, created chances but were unable to fashion an equaliser. Russell Martin's side held on to secure the three points despite a late red card for midfielder Shea Charles. The Swans have played the Saints on 73 previous occasions winning 21, losing 36 and drawing 16. The Swans last visited St Mary’s in August 2017 for a PL fixture that ended in a 0-0 draw: https://www.skysports.com/watch/vid...ague/10985519/southampton-0-0-swansea/more/23 Keith Stroud will be the man in charge when the Swans kick off at Southampton on Boxing Day. The Hampshire-based official first took charge of a Football League fixture in August 2005 and has blown the whistle at a Swans game on 29 occasions; including League One and Championship play-off semi-finals. This will be the first time the 53-year-old has taken charge of a Swans match this term, having most recently overseen the final match of the 2022-23 season, which Swansea won 3-2 against West Bromwich Albion. So far this season, he has overseen 14 matches across the Championship and League Two. He has handed out 76 yellow card and one red. On Boxing Day, he will be assisted by Lee Venamore and Greg Read. Josh Smith will be the fourth official. Clearly much of the pre-match focus will be of Russell Martin who led the Swans on a late charge for the Play-Offs last season going on an unbeaten 10 match run - yet fans seem to forget the run on 3 wins in 21 Championship matches (3 in 23 overall):in my opinion that run cost the Swans more in missing the Play-Offs than failing to strengthen in last January’s transfer window. Clearly, with a strong (parachute payment supported) squad Southampton will go into the match as strong favourites. I think that if the Southampton players are ‘up for their Manager’ against his old club, they could easily run out 3 or 4 goal winners. However, equally, if the Swans players want to show their old Boss what they can really do, the Swans could sneak a win. What the hell, 3-1 to the Swans Pass me another drink
My nearest game and I can’t go to it, off to the in laws in the morning. Might be a blessing to miss this one, can only see a 4-0 scum win.
If you are coming to the game I would recommend that you bring a good book to read during the many really boring passages of possession football we play in our half of the pitch but you probably know all about that anyway having experienced it for yourselves last season. Divided loyalties in this house as she who must be obeyed is a Swansea girl. For me it has to be a Saints win but for the Lovely Mrs Godders it has to be a Swans win. For peace on earth this festive season a draw would be the best outcome.
Thanks as always Taff. I must admit I am fearing the worst for this one, so it's a 3-1 defeat I am afraid.
Alan Sheehan: "We have got to dust ourselves down quickly and be ready to go. “We have shown resilience away from home, so it’s about building that character to be able to get wins and points on the board. “We are at the halfway stage of the season, we are not where we want to be but hopefully we can keep building confidence within the group. “We know the challenge, every game poses different questions and challenges but we want to go there and put on a performance. “Winning is a good habit to get in to, particularly when you know you have room to improve.” Russell Martin: “It'll be nice to see people and catch up with people who were brilliant for us in our two years there, but ultimately I want to win the game. “They will want to win the game, so I don't know if that makes it any more special or not, but hopefully we win and then then I can enjoy seeing people after, because if we don't win, you don't enjoy any of that.”
Very difficult to see past the home win, even if they do faff about in possession, 1 - 0. Saying that, if both teams faff about at the back they could cancel each other out for a 0 - 0
Nathan Wood makes his first start since September as one of three changes to the Swansea City side to face Southampton at St Mary’s this afternoon (3pm). The defender - recently back from injury - is joined by Liam Cullen and Jerry Yates in the Swansea team as Harry Darling and Liam Walsh drop to the bench, while Josh Key misses out after picking up a knock in the win over Preston North End. Carl Rushworth is in goal for the visitors, with Wood joining Josh Tymon, Bashir Humphreys and Ben Cabango – the latter set to make his 150th league appearance for Swansea – in defence. Captain Matt Grimes and Jay Fulton are paired together in midfield, with Cullen, Jamie Paterson and Jamal Lowe providing support to Yates in attack. The hosts include former Swans Ryan Manning and Flynn Downes in their starting line-up. Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Jay Fulton, Ben Cabango, Matt Grimes (captain), Jerry Yates, Jamal Lowe, Jamie Paterson, Josh Tymon, Liam Cullen, Nathan Wood, Bashir Humphreys. Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Harry Darling, Joe Allen, Yannick Bolasie, Charlie Patino, Mykola Kuharevich, Kyle Naughton, Liam Walsh, Ollie Cooper. Southampton: Gavin Bazunu, Kyle Walker-Peters, Ryan Manning, Flynn Downes, Jack Stephens (captain), Joe Aribo, Adam Armstrong, Stuart Armstrong, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Sam Edozie, Jan Bednarek. Substitutes: Joe Lumley, Mason Holgate, Che Adams, Will Smallbone, Sekou Mara, Carlos Alcaraz, Ryan Fraser, Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Tyler Dibling.
