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This evening will see history made, the Premier League’s first ever Welsh club will face their first ever Premiership test in Manchester City.
For many years, Cardiff were looking the most likely Welsh club to make it to the promiseland that is the Premiership, with Swansea in League One, Wrexham a division below and all other Welsh clubs in the English pyramid playing in the non-leagues.
But after a period of overwhelming growth and success, Swansea City, who have developed a quick-passing, easy on the eye style of football have reached their long-term goal of reaching the top division of the English pyramid. Coined by some as Swans-alona due to their Barcelona-like, European style of play, the Jacks will find an overwhelming mountain to climb when they travel to the Etihad Stadium for an 8 o’clock kick off. Considering Swansea were the Championship’s side to watch last season, they’re not a side to be taken lightly by the world’s richest club.
Avoiding relegation is obviously the main aim for the Jacks’ debut season in the English top-flight, but big boys Manchester City have their eyes set firmly on the title. After securing 4th place, a Champion’s League qualifying spot and the FA Cup at the end of last season, the sky blues will be aiming to add the greatest silverware they can find, the Premiership title.
The majority of the Welsh club’s new signings will be on show at the Etihad stadium, after the departure of the Swans’ beloved keeper De Vries, Michel Vorm, who has arrived at the Liberty Stadium following a move from FC Utrecht, will take his place in goal. Danny Graham, Leroy Lita, Wayne Routledge and Steven Caulker will also make their debuts for this Monday night kick-off. The Jacks’ captain, Garry Monk is a major doubt, the defender is struggling with a foot injury but will most likely be fit again for Swansea’s home clash with Wigan.
Despite facing one the Premier League’s new boys, Manchester City are likely to put out a strong side consisting of England keeper Joe Hat, Yaya Toure and Manchester City’s very own Joey Barton, Balotelli. A strong side will show that Mancini’s side are not willing to risk dropping a single point this season, which could be the best yet for the Manchester based outfit if they retain FA Cup and reach a decent stage of the UEFA Champion’s League.
Veteran referee Mike Dean will most likely officiate the following teams come 8pm:
Manchester City (4-3-3): Hart, Richards, Lescott, Kompany, Toure, Clichy, De Jong, Barry, Balotelli, Aguero, Silva
Swansea (4-4-2): Vorm, Rangel, Tate, Williams, Routledge, Taylor, Britton, Sinclair, Dobie, Graham, Lita,
They secured 3rd place.
I remember visiting Swansea’s old ground Vetch Field with Wycombe Wanderers in a 2-2 draw ( If memory serves me correctly the ground was right by a Prison).
Great to see them in the Premier League
Looking forward to the game tonight – and apart from tonight I wish Swansea City all the best this year. Couple of minor comments: (1) we finished 3rd not 4th last year (after 35 years of hurt these little things matter) and I hope we play Joe Hart in goal not that ‘Hat’ fella ;)