Swansea - Opposition Views

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Dai Fattys Flat, MattGee, stevethejack and Dewi1jack from PlanetSwans were kind enough to answer a few questions ahead of our match with Swansea in the semifinal of the Capital One Cup. Here is what they had to say:

-First, how long have you been a Swansea fan?

Dai Fattys Flat- since 1983

MattGee- Since the early 80s.

stevethejack- 43 now, from age 10, but properly age of 17

Dewi1jack- 1978

-Many doubted that Swansea can repeat last season’s form this time around, but you seem to be proving them wrong. What have you made of your season so far?

Dai Fattys Flat- more than happy

MattGee- Better than expected, given the upheaval in the summer, but no great surprise given the track record of our Chairman and Board.

stevethejack- Brilliant, we have a plan B (and C, D etc). Can't argue with 9th in the PL and semi of the COC

-Laudrup rested several players in the weekend. How important do you think the league cup is for you, now that you made it to the semis?

Dai Fattys Flat- relegation is more important but looking less likely now and Laudrup wants to win a cup

MattGee- On the basis that we're fairly comfortable in mid-table at the moment then it is more important than it might have been and Laudrup does like to do well in cup competitions.

stevethejack- Financially, not at all, Europe would be nice, but not major, plenty of time for that. More for us it would be the achievement of winning it.

Dewi1jack- ML wants to win a cup and it looks like the players are up for it as well

-9 days in the January transfer market, what business do you think Swansea should be doing this month?

Dai Fattys Flat- leave it to the experts

MattGee- If we got to 1st February with exactly the same squad as we have now, I wouldn't be too disappointed - don't think we're desperate for a new signing in any position.

stevethejack- Be nice to get another body up front, but nothing major needed

Dewi1jack- What ML wants

-Chelsea have been quick in finishing their first deal- Demba Ba – who made an excellent debut in the FA cup. How do you rate him?

Dai Fattys Flat- He will do well for you

MattGee- Not sure two tap-ins against Southampton qualifies as "an excellent debut" but I think he'll do well for you provided his knees don't explode.

stevethejack- A natural goal scorer but blows hot and cold. He may not get another goal for some time

Dewi1jack- Good and at a good price

-This is obviously the first leg of two. With that in mind, do you think Swansea should go for the win tomorrow or rather set up for a draw and go for the win at home?

Dai Fattys Flat- looking for a win your only Chelsea

MattGee- I don't think it really suits us to go out and play for the draw from the start but we've usually shown ourselves to be difficult to beat. A draw would be a great result for us.

stevethejack- Chelsea are quality. Go gun-ho and we will regret it. I see no problem going for the win, but caution is needed in that too.

Dewi1jack- Win. We struggle to set up for a draw

-You play the first leg away from home. Do you think that gives you some sort of advantage considering the away goals rule?

Dai Fattys Flat- yes

MattGee- Marginally, I suppose - it's nice to know what you need to do at home.

Dewi1jack- Not really. Away goals don't count until after extra time, I think

-Michu has obviously been brilliant for you this season. Who else should we look out for?

MattGee- If Hernandez has a good day, he'll cause you problems and Routledge has been in great form this season.

stevethejack- Dyer is mega fast, scoring goals, but is not as consistent as last season, but is worth a place in the starting XI for his effort alone. Chico & Williams have built an amazing partnership at the back, and work real ly well together

Dewi1jack- Ash Williams. He tried to kill RVP and could do the same to any of yours.

Footballs kill. Ban footballs from football

-If you could have one player from Chelsea at Swansea, who would it be and why?

Dai Fattys Flat- Lampard give him another chance to play for us

MattGee- I think Mata would be great in our system but I'd also like Ivanovich who can play across the back four.

stevethejack- Lampard is the obvious choice as he will be available, a great player and has been with us before, albeit many years ago, but our midfield is strong enough to be without him. If pushed Mata, because he is who makes Chelsea tick, and however good a midfield, we'd always find place for him

Dewi1jack- Mata or fat Frank: Mata is class as is Frank, who would be given a warm welcome , if he came back to us

-What line-up and formation is Laudrup likely to put out?

MattGee- ? It'll be our usual 4-2-3-1, probably with Michu up top to give a bit more defensive cover in midfield.

stevethejack- 4-2-3-1

Dewi1jack- One capable of winning

-Finally, please predict the result.

Dai Fattys Flat- .2-3

MattGee- A draw would be an excellent result for us but I think you'll beat us by the odd goal - I'll say Chelsea 2-1 Swans

stevethejack- Common sense says nothing other than a Chelsea win, but we've won away at Liverpool, Arsenal & Newcastle this season (along with Crawley, QPR & Fulham), so anything is possible

Dewi1jack- 1-1 with us winning down here 1-0

[Muzchap 8,966]

Well done Choulo for the perseverance

[kellzfresh 7,226]

excellent fan view

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Well done Choulo for the perseverance

Cheers

I actually think Swansea have a slight advantage tonight. They rested some key players against Arsenal. If we don't play our best XI, which is what is likely to happen, we will struggle a lot, imo.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Cheers

I actually think Swansea have a slight advantage tonight. They rested some key players against Arsenal. If we don't play our best XI, which is what is likely to happen, we will struggle a lot, imo.

Yup cannot take anything for Granted - look at last nights game - Villa couldn't score in a Brothel, keeper had game of his life etc.

A draw would be good - our away form seems much better lately, so don't fear them away as much

But, if we get on our game, don't concede a silly early goal - we could get a 2-0 win

[Corner 456]

Wahey you found someone! Sorry for not helping more, but glad you found someone. And a good read!

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Yup cannot take anything for Granted - look at last nights game - Villa couldn't score in a Brothel, keeper had game of his life etc.

A draw would be good - our away form seems much better lately, so don't fear them away as much

But, if we get on our game, don't concede a silly early goal - we could get a 2-0 win

Our performances at home under Rafa have been either outstanding (Villa, Nordswhatever) or atrocious (QPR, Fulham). We need more scrappy 1-0 wins if you ask me. Would gladly take a win by the odd goal.

[Zone 290]

"Dai Fattys Flat- looking for a win your only Chelsea"

Hahaha! Quality answer.

[Rmpr 8,977]

You found them!

Thanks and well done!

[nomadealae 6]

Chelsea - 0×0 - Swansea live here in hd quality ;

http://www.freefoot.ae.ma/

Edited January 9, 2013 by nomadealae