Bristol Rovers V Swansea
Swansea City will make the short journey up the M4 to face Bristol Rovers on Saturday. Roberto Martinez will be hoping his squad can keep the pressure firmly on at the top of league one by securing another 3 points away from home.
The league leaders Swansea City went 2 points clear of second placed Carlisle United with a tremendous 3-0 win over a struggling Northampton Town side.
The South Wales side have not lost an away fixture since the 22nd September against Leeds United at Elland Road.
In stark contrast Paul Trollop's Bristol Rovers have only won 1 league game at home all season a 2-1 win over Millwall on the 17th November.
It is that home form that has seen the club slump to 18th in league one.
The Gas will be looking to secure all 3 points to keep them from the relegation battle
Swansea City Manager Roberto Martinez:"''Confidence is high...Victories against Hartlepool and Northampton have helped our home form but although it is pleasing, we know there are several departments that we need to improve on."
We are looking forward to the game. In the last few years we have not had a good record there and they have been impressive this season."
The players can't relax. We have a squad here that enables us to pick a strong team no matter how many changes there are from the previous game. There is competition for places so there is no complacency."
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Rovers manager Paul Trollope has been given a double blow as the Gas will be without central defender Steve Elliot and influential Striker Richard Walker.
The Duo were due to complete a 3 match ban against Cheltenham Town last night but the game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at The Memorial Stadium.
The Fazakerley born striker is the clubs top goal scorer so far this season and has an impressive assists record.
Swansea will have to contain his threat to come away with all 3 points.
Swansea will welcome back Garry Monk to the side after serving his one match ban.
Marcos Painter is a doubt after picking a hamstring strain following the 3-0 win over Northampton Town on Tuesday.
Owain Tudur Jones is the only major omission as he struggles to overcome a displaced fracture in his ankle.
The pacy midfielder has been one of the signings of the summer transfer window.
His ability to get behind defenders into goal scoring positions and to provide crosses into the box will prove a handful for Bristol Rovers.
His 8 goals have proved crucial towards Swansea City's good run of form.
The Form Book(based on previous 5 results)
Bristol Rovers
DWLWW
Swansea City
LWWDW
Referee: U Rennie
Assistants:M Scholes and N Kinseley
Fourth Official S Bratt
Mr Rennie has officiated 3 games so far this term giving 7 yellow cards and has dismissed one player Queens Park Rangers Striker Dexter Blackstock.
Swansea Vital predicts a close 2-1 win for Swansea City
Click here to predict the score in our Prediction League
Swansea City v Horsham Town
FA Cup 2nd Round replay
The Liberty Stadium
10th December
7.45pm
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