Swansea host Hull City this weekend with the away side looking to end a run of four games without a win.
Steve Bruce’s side have been in the headlines this week for off-pitch matters as Hull chairman Assem Allam has re-applied to the FA to rename the club Hull Tigers. Bruce had his say on the matter, as fans continue to protest against the Egyptian’s plans: “For what he has done for the club – and I say this repeatedly – he’s put it on the map a little bit and he’s put his hard earned money so he’s entitled to have his opinion.”
The hosts are in top form, sitting in eighth in the league table, with Garry Monk’s men ending Villa’s recent revival before the international break with a 1-0 victory. Hull performed admirably at home to Chelsea, recovering from two goals down before losing out to Loic Remy’s winner, stretching their winless run to four games.
With a tough run in, including a trip to Tottenham and home games against Liverpool and Manchester United on the horizon, Hull will see this game as a must-win encounter. The Tigers sit three points clear of the relegation zone and a loss of confidence could be catastrophic to Hull’s survival hopes.
In the reverse fixture Swansea managed to grab a 1-0 win at the KC Stadium in December, and they’ll be confident of a repeat at the Liberty on Saturday. However Steve Bruce can now call on an array of players, with some vital ones returning from injury just in time.
Team News
Garry Monk will need to conduct a late check on Jefferson Montero after he was injured on international duty. However Leon Britton and Kyle Bartley are back in training for the Swans. Otherwise Swansea have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game at the Liberty Stadium.
Hull boss Steve Bruce can finally call upon Mohamed Diame, after being out since December with a knee injury. At his pre-match press conference Bruce said: “He will be invoked, physically he’s immense, he’s terrific. But he has been out for four months with a horrible injury. He’s okay but we have to be careful with him.”
Bruce can also call on James Chester, after the Wales defender is back in training following a dislocated shoulder, but he faces a fight to get his place back, with the defensive trio of Michael Dawson, Alex Bruce and Paul McShane impressing recently.
Quotes
Steve Bruce on Swansea’s stability as a Premier League side: “They are a role model for all the smaller clubs. “For all of the smaller clubs in the Premier League, the position Swansea are in, you have to pay them the highest compliment.
Swansea manager Garry Monk on Hull: “It has been a difficult season for them, but they have a good group with quality players, They pushed Chelsea all the way in the last game, and I was really impressed with them. “Hull want to steer clear of the relegation zone, so they will be a determined side coming here.”
Hull midfielder David Meyler on the difficult fixtures ahead: “We’ve got eight games to come, against some decent teams, but I’m sure we can get the wins we need if we keep performing like we did in games against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool and for 70 minutes against Chelsea.”
Hull really need a result here, and with an impressive record against Swansea in recent times, the Tigers will be confident of their chances. Although with the Swans in eighth and pushing for higher up the table, it won’t be an easy game for Steve Bruce’s men, as off the field matters continue to leave the club in choppy waters.