A WAY THROUGH THIS
SWANSEA CITY v MIDDLESBROUGH
Jonathan Way; 15 Aug 2009
After a mixed start at the Riverside...
Boro now take a trip to South Wales and must come away with all three points if our promotion hopes are to stay on course. After the frustration of settling only for a draw against the Blades on Friday night, Middlesbrough need to turn up the heat this weekend and be much more ruthless in front of goal.
After bouncing back to the Championship from League Two in four years, Swansea impressed many people last season by ending in eighth place. With Paulo Sousa now in charge after the departure of Roberto Martinez to Wigan, the Portuguese man will be looking to better last campaign's finish by guiding the Swans into the play-offs.
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Ashley Williams v Tony McMahon
The number two's opening goal on Saturday turned out to stand for nothing as Leicester came from behind to beat Swansea 2-1. Starting for Wales in midweek may have a big impact on the defender as Middlesbrough go in search of their important first goal of the season.
The 23-year-old would have surely been pleased with his opening display against Sheffield United last week. Posing an attacking threat throughout the game and managing to get a couple of shots away, McMahon will certainly be giving Hoyte a challenge for the right back position this campaign.
Mark Gower v Gary O'Neil
One of the Swans' more experienced midfielders has started the season well, with two decent performances in their two opening matches. Probably retaining his place in the starting line up on Saturday, Gower is still looking for his first goal for the Swans since signing in the summer of 2008.
After being linked with a move to Everton in mid-week, hopefully O'Neil will still be focused on the game against Swansea. More importantly, hopefully we can hold on to the services of the influential midfielder. Announcing that he is delaying his operation to aid Gareth Southgate's midfield crisis shows just how much the number four wants to help us bounce back to the Premiership.
Shaun MacDonald v Rhys Williams
The 21-year-old will be looking to put in a much better performance for Sousa against Boro after a disappointing display last weekend lead to him being dropped for the Carling Cup game. Since coming through the youth ranks in 2005, MacDonald will be looking to cement his place in midfield this coming campaign.
The young Australian was definitely one of our best players against the Blades and unfortunately was the only player to pick up a booking. If Williams carries on the way he has started this season, he could end up playing a huge part in the team as we look for immediate promotion.
Stephen Dobbie v Leroy Lita
The former Rangers striker signed for the Swans at the beginning of this summer and has made an immediate impact after scoring a double in Wednesday night's 3-0 Carling Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Likely to start against Boro this weekend, Dobbie will pose one of Swansea's biggest dangers to us as he looks to increase his tally.
Despite being short, Lita's 25 minute debut still impressed a lot of Boro fans as the former Reading striker showed both skill and commitment. Arriving two weeks ago on a free transfer, I really hope the 24-year-old starts his first game and gets off and running in Saturday's crucial encounter.
Depending upon certain players' injuries, Gareth could be presented with quite a few selection problems ahead of the weekend's match.
There's no doubt Southgate will be trying to win the boo boys over, but whether three points over Swansea will be enough is highly unlikely.
We have to win this game if the club are to keep the faith of the fans and possibly if they want to keep particular players at the club or attract others.
Hopefully Gareth will start to win over some of the fans on Saturday by beating Swansea 1-0 and ensuring our promotion hopes are back on track.
Kendal, August 15, 2009 at 11:44 am This has GOT TO BE A WIN. Swansea are missing just about all of the midfield we have only a few minor fitness issues only a win will be good enough.
