Competition - Sky Bet Championship Venue - Stadium of Light Date - 12 April 2025 Kick off - 3pm Following their outstanding performance against Plymouth, next up for Alan Sheehan’s Swansea squad is the somewhat daunting prospect of a trip to Play Off hopefuls Sunderland. On Wednesday evening, Plymouth Argyle's Championship survival prospects suffered a damaging blow as they were beaten 3-0 by the Swans. Plymouth were outplayed and outfought by a Swansea side who seized the early initiative through Lewis O'Brien's diving header and never looked like losing from that point on. Harry Darling then headed in at a set-piece before Josh Key's stunning long-range strike sealed a comprehensive victory after only 35 minutes. Plymouth's best effort was a first half free kick which was well saved, but in truth Argyle were fortunate not to be on the end of an even heavier beating as the hosts dominated. The previous evening, Sunderland secured a place in the play-offs in a dour goalless stalemate with Norwich City at Carrow Road. The Black Cats knew that a point away to the Canaries, themselves needing a win to keep alive faint hopes of reaching the top six, would be enough to ensure their season goes beyond 3 May. The Swans have played Sunderland on 39 previous occasions, winning 13, losing 14 and drawing 12. In the corresponding match last season, the Swans ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a brace from Ronald: Turning to tomorrow, with the Swans’ Championship place pretty much secure for another season, I’m hoping that the Swans can play with the freedom that safety provides and put in a performance similar to the one against Plymouth. That said, Sunderland will be keen to cement their place in the Play Offs and will surely be ‘up for it’. All things considered, I’m going for a 1-1 draw
I fear we’ll come back down to earth with a bump here. Sunderland to win by 2 goals. In previous seasons, as soon as we have achieved perceived safety, the team has seemed to lose interest. Sunderland will want it more I think.
My hope that our players will not switch off this season is that Sheehan is in charge - despite being 3-0 up on Wednesday he was urging on the players and giving them ‘hell’ if they didn’t press/close down/ track back
If Vip can tie his boots on properly, we might get a win, but missing the sitters he did against Plymouth will cost us the game today, so if he starts his crap in front of goal he must be pulled off the pitch and replaced.......
I would have liked to see Vip get a run in the starting line up. If he gets his eye in I feel he could be quite potent.
