Preview | Swansea City v Coventry City
Swansea City will look to build on the feelgood factor of an unforgettable south Wales derby victory when they host Coventry City at the Swansea.com Stadium this afternoon (3pm).
The Swans claimed a 3-2 triumph against Cardiff last time out thanks to a dramatic 99th-minute winner from Ben Cabango.
That backed up the win over Bristol City prior to the international break, and head coach Russell Martin has challenged his side to build on those results and finish the season strongly.
They take on a Coventry City side still firmly in the play-off picture, and who had been on a fine run of form prior to their home defeat to Stoke last time out.
The Sky Blues will be hoping to end a wretched record against the Swans, having not won a game between the sides since 1981.
Team news
Swansea City against have a fully-fit squad to choose from for the visit of the Midlands side.
Joe Allen, Jay Fulton and Joel Latibeaudiere all returned to action with substitute appearances against Cardiff.
Steven Benda is the only absentee as he recovers from a long-term knee injury.
Pre-match views
Russell Martin: “The fans have been brilliant in the last few games. They've been really important to helping the team get back to what we want to be.
"There'll be a brilliant energy in the stadium. Coventry are fighting to get into the play-offs. I hope it's not a case of after the Lord Mayor's show. We can’t go there and think Saturday was enough. We always need to want more.
"I just want to see the team continue to grow. I want to win as many games as we possibly can. It's that simple.
"At some point we're going to need to get some people on the pitch to show what they can do and build some momentum ahead of next season.
"We are not there yet, and we've given ourselves a really nice platform to build off from the last two games.”
Mark Robins: “Swansea put you under pressure because they have the ball a lot and they make you feel that, so there’s a balance to be had there.
“How do you get the ball back? People will say just go get it off them and fight it off them and of course you have to, but if you come out of your slot, they will play through you or over you.
“Last year when we went there with a game plan and they played over us, and we’re reminded of that.
“If we can perform the way we need to and we know we will spend spells out of possession, and if we can do that side of the job properly and be calm and play the way we can then it gives you every chance.
“We haven’t had much joy against in the few years we’ve been in the Championship. We’ve lost narrowly in the first year and then we lost 3-1 last year, so hopefully we can have a better result on Saturday.”
Remember the last time?
Michael Obafemi stole the show as Swansea City made it three home wins in a row with 3-1 victory over Coventry on the Sky Blues last visit to the Swansea.com Stadium.
The in-form striker set up the first when he picked out Jamie Paterson with a delightful first-time ball, before netting either side of half-time to ensure a comfortable afternoon for Russell Martin's men.
The Swans dominated the first half, and were clinical with their finishing with Paterson putting his side ahead with the first real chance of the half and Obafemi doubling the lead with the second.
Coventry almost got one back before the break when a misplaced goal kick was headed back into the path of Viktor Gyokeres, but Andy Fisher made a great stop to deny him.
The Swans’ lead was extended right after half time; Matt Grimes winning the ball back and finding Obafemi, who showed real composure to make it 3-0.
Gustavo Hamer’s 84th minute finish was a mere consolation for the visitors.
Prime numbers
0.72 – Liam Cullen has got the best goals per 90 minutes ratio for the Swans this season, averaging 0.72 goals per 90 minutes played.
14 - The Swans are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings with the Sky Blues, last suffering defeat to them in October 1981.