PREVIEW: Swans v Cardiff
8th February
Garry Monk takes in his first game as charge of the Swans as they host Cardiff City at the Liberty Stadium.
The Swans, who appointed Monk as head coach on Tuesday, are hoping to avoid becoming the first team to lose both league games in the derby after Cardiff claimed the reverse game 1-0 in November.
Monk takes over a Swans side that is currently 12th in the Barclays Premier League - two points above third-bottom West Ham and three points better off than Cardiff in 19th.
The Swans go into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat at West Ham last weekend while Cardiff came back from a goal behind to beat Norwich City 2-1.
It proved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first league win since being appointed the new Cardiff manager on January 2.
TEAM NEWS
Jose Canas looks set to return from an ankle problem although Jonjo Shelvey and Michu are doubts. Michel Vorm has returned to training and could be included.
Cardiff could give Wilfried Zaha - on loan from Manchester United - his first start while new signing may be included in central defence after joining from Sevilla as Mark Hudson has a hamstring problem. Fabio, who was sent off against the Swans while on FA Cup duty with Manchester United last month, is expected to start.
WHAT THEY SAID
Swans head coach Garry Monk:"It should be an unbelievable game. We lost the first derby this season and we have to turn a wrong into a right in our eyes.
"But these are the game you want to be involved in and it's all about now, the future and trying to push on.
Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:"We know that this is a chance to create history. That's something that is in the back of everyone's minds, I'm sure.
"That's what everyone dreams about - to play and beat their local rivals. That's especially the case for the local lads in the squad. We've had some tough games and we're looking forward to this one as well."
SWANS STATS
• Wilfried Bony has scored seven league goals this season - all have come at the Liberty
• Of the club's 29 league goals, 22 have come in the second half
• Five of the Swans' six league wins this season have come when they have kept a clean sheet
CARDIFF STATS
• Cardiff are the only Premier League club not to have been awarded a penalty this season
• All five of Cardiff's league wins this season have been by a one-goal margin
• Craig Bellamy became the first player to score Premier League goals for seven different clubs when he found the net against his former team Norwich City.
** Don't forget, you can follow live updates from the Liberty on Twitter via @SwansOfficial along with our new social platform Swans Wall
