Middlesbrough v Swansea Competition - Sky Bet Championship Venue - The Riverside Stadium Date - 9 August 2025 Kick off - 3pm After - by the Swans’ own recent standards - a fairly proactive approach to the Summer transfer window, the first game of the season is upon us with a tricky looking trip to Middlesbrough, which as chance has it, is the same start at the same venue as last season. Despite the aforementioned transfer activity, the Swans could face Boro with gaps both in defence and attack, due in part to injuries to key squad members. Whilst some injuries are clearing up, there remain some question marks. Zǎn Vipotnik is reportedly overcoming the toe injury that kept him out of the home friendly last Saturday against Lorient of France. Hopefully, he will travel with the squad. There’s not much news on Captain Ben Cabango but it is believed that he will miss the game given that he hasn’t apparently kicked ball since the Spanish camp three weeks ago. News on Eom and Inoussa is better, and both came through their run outs on Saturday. With those two fit alongside Melker Widell and Ethan Galbraith the side is starting to shape up. Ronald is also fit so the principal question for head coach, Alan Sheehan to ponder is whether to select new loan signing Kaelan Casey or Jay Fulton in a flexible defensive role. As for Boro, Rob Edwards is taking charge of his first competitive match since replacing Michael Carrick. Edwards’ new club has been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window, but they have brought in some seemingly impressive signings, such as Alfie Jones, Callum Brittain and Abdoulaye Kante. Additionally, Finn Azaz and ex-Swan Morgan Whittaker are likely to thrive in the style and system that is preferred by Edwards. Including the first meeting which took place 100 years ago next month (which the Swans won 4-0 at the Vetch), the Swans have played the Smoggies on 58 previous occasions, winning 20, drawing 12 and losing 26. In last season’s Championship opener, Boro ran out 1-0 winners: Turning to Saturday, neither side has ‘been on fire’ in their pre-season friendlies, so perhaps a draw would be the logical outcome. However, whilst I’m hoping that the Swans prove me wrong, I think that Boro will repeat last season’s 1-0. Hope I’m wrong
Finally on the Club’s website: Swansea City is pleased to confirm the signing of defender Kaelan Casey on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. The 20-year-old joins the Swans from West Ham United, and will wear the number 26 shirt during the coming campaign.
The Swans have been intentionally **** during pre-season to lull Boro into a false sense of superiority. Middlesboro 2 - 0 Swansea City. Thats what their fans will expect. I'm going for 1-0 either way (assuming we get a penalty)
Thanks for the preview Taff...... we had an early 4am start last year but a lie in for this one with a6am start. I am more confident this time simply because our friendly performances have not been up to much....As long as we do not make any silly mistakes I can see a 2-1 win for the Swans and a happy trip home lol
And they're off.... that time again! Cheers Taff. My uber excitement has been dimmed somewhat by the pre season results and I've no idea how this will go. It's obviously going to take a few games to get up to speed but a decent start to the season is a must and i'd hope for a draw at least.
Excellent write up. What will this season bring, Joy or Woe? The team needs time to gel and given it wasn’t a great pre season so hoping for a win, but going for a 1-1 to start the season off.
Not much in it first half. Home side a bit more possession as you'd expect. A clean sheet would be very welcome.
