Monday, December 23, 2024

Williams asks Swans to dig deep against Potters

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Luke Williams will ask his players for a final push before the season’s second international break when Swansea City host Stoke City on Saturday.

Swansea are back on home soil after a midweek defeat at Sheffield United.

The Bramall Lane reverse was a third on the road in the Championship in 2024-25, but Williams’ team will defend an unbeaten home record in the league this season as they take on the Potters.

Swansea have beaten Preston and Norwich City on their own ground this term, while there have been draws with Cardiff City and Bristol City.

“We have had a couple of draws we feel we disappointed we didn’t convert to wins, particularly after scoring first in both games,” Williams said.

“But overall we should be quite pleased with our home form.

“Now we have to find the energy, intensity and quality to play one more game in this block before a bit of a break.”

Stoke, in 15th, are two points and three places worse off than Swansea in the early-season Championship table.

New Stoke boss Narcis PelachNew Stoke boss Narcis Pelach

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Following the sacking of Steven Schumacher, Stoke lost their first two games under new boss Narcis Pelach – who was part of Norwich’s staff when they lost at Swansea in September – before thrashing Portsmouth 6-1 in midweek.

“It certainly looks like they’ve found their feet and they will be full of confidence after that win,” Williams added.

“I think the new manager is going to do well. I was lucky to meet him just a few weeks ago because he was on the staff at a different club.

“He is very enthusiastic and I hear a lot of good things about him as a coach and how he can put his ideas across to the group. Watching the team, it’s quite evident that that’s the case.

“It’s a team being reborn at the moment and we have to be on our guard for that.”

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