Preview | Swansea City v Sunderland
Swansea City will look to extend their unbeaten run to five games when they host in-form Sunderland at the Swansea.com Stadium this afternoon (3pm).
Midweek victory at Plymouth means Luke Williams' side have taken eight points from the last 12 on offer and they will be eyeing a major scalp against a Black Cats side who have been among the pacesetters so far this season.
The Wearsiders have lost just once in the league since the end of September, although all four of their defeats this season have come on their travels.
Team news
Joe Allen is facing a few weeks on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Luton Town.
Head coach Williams will also be without Sam Parker and Josh Ginnelly as they make good progress in their attempts to return from injury.
The Swans boss must also decide whether to make changes at the conclusion of another three-game week.
Pre-match views
Luke Williams: “We have had some near-misses with teams in play-off positions, and it’s another marker for us.
“If we want to be the team we have to become, then we have to perform well against the top teams in the division. We have ticked that box, but it’s about getting results against them too.
“If we can do that, then you don’t have to be a mathematician to figure out what that can mean.
“But we know this will be a hard test for us. Sunderland are a good team who are playing well and with belief.
“They are going to be a good side throughout the campaign, so we expect a tough game.”
Regis Le Bris: “Swansea is a different type of team who like having the ball and pressing high out of possession.
“It will be a tough game with new problems to solve, but I’m excited by a game.
“We have been dominant with the ball, but this could be a little bit different, so we will see how we solve that problem.
"The more games we play the more we experience. We use video analysis a lot and we need to reinforce what we have done well.
“We’re creating many opportunities, now we have to adjust the final connection.”
“I’m sure with the quality we have, we’ll change the dynamic.”
Meet the officials
Experienced official Andy Davies has the whistle for tonight's game, and you can find out more about the referee and his colleagues below.
Remember the last time?
Swansea City showed tremendous grit and character to earn a point after playing over an hour with 10 men against Sunderland at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Michael Duff’s side had Charlie Patino sent off for two highly debatable bookings with barely half an hour on the clock, but could have led at half-time had Jamal Lowe been able to convert from the spot.
Keeper Carl Rushworth – on his 100th EFL appearance – was outstanding in goal, making terrific saves to deny Patrick Roberts and Luke O’Nien as the Swans dug in to ensure they took something from the game.
Prime numbers
2 - Liam Cullen has netted in each of his previous two home appearances for the Swans. The last player to score in three straight home league games was Ollie Cooper in October 2022.
5 - Swansea City have won five of their last six games against Sunderland, and have lost just one of the last 14 in total.