Carlos: Liberty factor can be key

Carlos Carvalhal reckons the Liberty factor could be key when Swansea City bid to topple Chelsea this weekend.

Carvalhal reckons the visit of last season’s Premier League champions means another “David against Goliath” contest in SA1.

But the Swans boss is convinced that with a sell-out crowd behind them on Saturday evening (5.30pm), his players can compete.

Carvalhal’s men have been in fine form on their own patch, taking 13 points from their last five league games in Landore.

That run has featured rousing victories over Liverpool, Arsenal, Burnley and West Ham, plus a 1-1 draw with Everton when the Swans should really have banked another win.

“I have confidence in my team and in the fans also,” Carvalhal declared.

“The way we played in the last home game against Everton was the same level we played at against Liverpool and Arsenal.

“The only difference in that game was that the efficiency was not there, but we played very well.

“We are playing very well at home. We have felt the energy of the Liberty and our players feel comfortable when they are playing there. This is very important.

“I am sure the fans will push the team again this weekend and this will help us.”

The Swans have injury concerns over Federico Fernandez and Kyle Bartley heading into the Chelsea clash after both players picked up knee problems in last weekend’s loss at Manchester City.

But Carvalhal is adamant that whatever XI takes the field, the Swans will be ready to compete with the fifth-placed Blues.

“We want all the players available of course,” he added.

“But if they are not involved, we don’t have a problem – we don’t want any excuses.

“It will be a very tough game against a very good team with players who will all go to the World Cup at the end of the season and who have a very good manager. It’s David against Goliath again.

“But we play at home and I have confidence in my team. The atmosphere for Everton was fantastic and I am sure the fans will support the team to a good level again.

“This makes our players bigger and we play better at home.

“We are in a period where we want to do well and we will fight for the three points.”