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Swansea (A) Match Preview

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It is the rematch of the 2011 Championship Play-off final in Wales tomorrow afternoon, as Reading face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Both teams come into this game in contrasting form and rather surprising too, especially when you consider their starts to the season. Despite a bright start by Swansea, they have lost their last three games in the Premier League, conceding seven goals. Reading however are starting to find some form, with a midweek cup win against QPR and a point against Newcastle, which should have been three.

Vital Quotes:

Swansea boss Michel Laudrup – ‘These are the games that we have to get points from. We want to get back to the way we were playing in the first three games because that is very important. If we can do that then we can win on Saturday. Reading still have a game in hand on the other teams but it is a chance for us to open up a bit of a gap going into the international break. They could have beaten Newcastle, but we have to just think about ourselves while still giving respect to the opposition.”

Reading manager Brian McDermott – ‘We’re playing against a side that did really well in the league last season and have started this one just as well. Every game in this league is such a big occasion. You can just see how much coverage and respect each game gets – and its fantastic. I know Saturday will be another full house watching two teams just going all out for the win.

Swansea Team News:

Swansea will have to give a late fitness test to defender Ashley Williams who has an ankle problem and is also suffering from illness. Fellow defenders Kyle Bartley and Neil Taylor are long-term injury problems. Midfielder Kemy Agustien is also definitely out.

Player to watch: Michu

The Spaniard had a superb start to the season with four goals in his opening two games, but his form has dipped in the past two games. He will want to return to scoring ways soon.

Reading Team News:

Brian McDermott will have to assess the fitness of midfielder Mikele Leigertwood, who picked up a dead leg against Newcastle last week. Goalkeeper Adam Federici reportedly has a knee problem keeping him out, but others beg to differ….

Player to watch: Shaun Cummings

After an accomplished performance against QPR last week, he was brought in against Newcastle and did a decent job. However, he will face a much sterner test this weekend against one of the divisions best wingers in Nathan Dyer.

Expected line-ups:

Swansea: Vorm, Rangel, Monk, Chico, Davies, Britton, Ki, Dyer, Michu, Hernandez, Graham

Reading: Federici, Cummings, Mariappa, Gorkss, Shorey, Kebe, Leigertwood, Karacan, McAnuff, Pogrebynyak, Hunt

Match Prediction:

We are due a win at some point and I have feeling it will come in Wales tomorrow. As long as we unsettle them early and get in there faces, I can see us earning a 3-2 win.

Next Fixtures:

Swansea – Wigan (H) – Sat 20th October – Premier League

Reading – Liverpool (A) – Sat 20th October – Premier League

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