It’s a Sunday kick off, thanks to the Welsh Rugby Union, as we set off for Swansea for the second time this year, following the LDV Vans Trophy excursion. A similar result would be welcome.

Kevan Broadhurst has been concentrating on getting the squad fitness levels up to a more respectable level, so last week’s postponement will have been welcome in some ways. Not so the reserve’s fixture at Bradford falling victim to the weather in the week, as that stopped the manager getting some more ideas as to the preparedness of his squad and, crucially, who to play up front.

Chris Westwood should be available again in defence, having, hopefully, recovered from his hamstring injury, and is likely to replace Ian Roper, suspended for one game.
Danny Fox, however, looks as if he won’t make it, so the defence is likely to be:-

Oakes, Pead, Mills (or Westwood), Gerrard, Smith (or Fox).

In midfield, Mads Timm is also back in training and Paul Devlin is available again, having served his ban. He has been suffering from an injury as well, though (he wouldn’t have played last week anyway), so is likely to be on the bench, at best. That should give midfield options of James, Wright, Devlin, Osborn, Leary, Keates, Standing, Smith (if not at full back), Timm and Demontagnac. Perm any four from ten!

Up front, the choice would seem to be from Fitzgerald, Constable (another due to play for the reserves in the week, so may miss out from lack of practice), Barrowman, Atieno and Timm, Devlin or James, depending on formation. Even young McDermott might get a look in, as we desperately try to increase our options. Kevan Broadhurst has made enquiries about two strikers who are playing in the Championship. One has decided against a move, while a decision is expected to be made by the other next week.

Swansea have worries about star striker, Lee Trundle, forced out of Tuesday’s LDV Vans Trophy clash with Colchester United, so they may be forced to choose from one of the other 10 strikers listed on their web site!

Welsh International defender, Sam Ricketts also picked up a knock during the 1-0 victory over The U’s.

Tom Williams and Rory Fallon are available again after being Cup-tied on Tuesday, and midfielder Darren Way - who made his debut for The Swans against Walsall in January - has overcome a thigh injury.

They have also increased their defensive options with the loan signing of Wolves youngster, Keith Lowe, making up for the farcical on/off transfer of Brent Sancho from Gillingham.

Predictions? Swansea have slipped a little from the flying start they made this season (which included that 5 – 2 win at Bescot) and are down to fifth in the table. They are, by co-incidence, also fifth in the home form table. They have only lost 2 games at their new stadium so far, but have drawn 7 of the remaining 16, so that is their weakness.

Walsall have already found some resilience since Merson’s departure and have got draws at both Southend and Colchester, so I can see a similar result here. Draw.