Swansea v Norwich Preview

Posted on | April 8, 2011 | No Comments

Expectations for both of these sides were slightly unknown at the start of the season, but nevertheless few would have imagined the success that both have enjoyed. Both have been challenging for automatic promotion for much of the campaign and with Swansea sat in 4^th spot and Norwich up there in 2^nd, the race for promotion is certainly intensifying.

There is no questioning Swansea’s success so far although as they approach this encounter, it would be fair to say that they are on a disappointing run of form. The Swans have won just one of their last five and having suffered defeats to the likes of Scunthorpe and Preston in recent weeks, Brendan Rodgers must surely be ruing what might have been. Despite the adverse results, the club still remains in a very strong position and if they can manage victory in this clash, they will move to within just one point of their opponents. However, with just seven league games remaining, Rodgers’ men know that defeat is unavoidable if they want to keep their serious automatic promotion ambitions alive.

Norwich on the other hand are in an absolutely stunning run of form and with their last defeat coming all the way back at the start of February, it’s no surprise to see Paul Lambert’s men riding high in 2^nd position. The Canaries are looking extremely good value for automatic promotion at the moment and having thrashed Scunthorpe 6-0 in their last outing, they certainly arrive at the Liberty Stadium with plenty of confidence under their belt. What’s more, compared to many of their fellow promotion challengers, it could be said that the Carrow Road outfit have a slightly easier run-in and if they can manage victory here, they will be in fine shape ahead of the final six games.

As for team news, Swansea have been handed two boosts as Stephen Dobbie and Angel Rangel both prepare to return after recovering from a back injury and illness respectively. Considering the poor run that Swansea are enduring, Brendan Rodgers may opt to include both in his starting eleven. The visitors meanwhile are sweating on Wes Hoolahan who is struggling with a hamstring complaint that he picked up in Norwich’s last game. Elsewhere, Chris Martin has returned to training after a hamstring injury, but he lacks the match fitness required to be considered for selection.

There is no doubting who is the form side ahead of this clash, but we think Swansea’s home advantage will count for everything here. The Swans have proved a real force at the Liberty Stadium and while Norwich will knock hard, we think the home side will just be able to hold out for a 1-1 draw.

Related posts:

1. Swansea v Norwich Preview
2. Watford v Norwich Preview
3. Norwich v Cardiff Preview
4. Norwich v Doncaster Preview
5. Swansea v Nottingham Forest Preview

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