Steve Cooper | We want to be on the front foot

Steve Cooper expects Saturday’s clash with Birmingham to be a meeting of two sides in confident mood, but wants Swansea City to be the ones on the front foot in their Liberty Stadium opener.

Aitor Karanka’s Blues visit SA1 for the first home game of Swansea City’s 2020-21 Championship campaign, with both sides having tasted victory on the opening weekend.

The Swans beat Preston 1-0 at Deepdale in their opening league fixture, while Birmingham saw off last season’s play-off finalists Brentford by the same scoreline.

Three points and a clean sheet apiece means the two sides head into this weekend in a positive mindset.

But Cooper is clear he wants to see the Swans take the game to their visitors.

“I don’t think there are any surprises in the Championship, but it was a good win for them,” said the Swansea boss.

“It’s always great to start with a win, it helps confidence and it can build momentum.

“We know Birmingham are an experienced team, they have a new manager with experience of the league and he has brought in a few players he knows and has worked with before.

“It’s only the second game of the season, but we know it will be a tough challenge. Having said that, it’s our first home game and we want to be on the front foot and confident in our game.

“It comes down to us, that’s where our focus will always be. But we respect all our opponents and we know it will be a tough game against Birmingham. It’s one we will need to be ready for.”