Sponsor

Thursday 3 October 2013

Europa League: Swansea face St Gallen in first Group A home fixture

Swansea City will take in their first Europa League fixture at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday when they entertain St Gallen.

The Swans are embarking on their first continental quest since 1991/92 - when they crashed out of the Cup Winners' Cup at the first round stage.

Ambition and expectation has risen considerably since then, and Michael Laudrup will be looking to make significant inroads in this season's competition.

Swansea made the best possible start to their Group A campaign on Matchday One, as they stunned La Liga giants Valencia at the Mestalla.

A 3-0 win on Spanish soil proves that Laudrup's men can hold their own against the best in the business, and they will be looking more of the same against Swiss opposition in midweek.

St Gallen have overcome British opponents once before, with a 2-1 aggregate success secured against Chelsea in the UEFA Cup some 12 years ago.

They will be hoping to replicate that success in South Wales, and should be in buoyant mood heading into the tie.

They are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions and opened their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Kuban Krasnodar.

Team news

Swansea will be without captain Ashley Williams, Pablo Hernandez and Garry Monk as they look to take another positive step towards the knockout stage.

Williams is still struggling with an ankle ligament injury, while hamstring and knee complaints will sideline winger Hernandez and centre-half Monk respectively.

Angel Rangel is a doubt with an ankle knock, while Roland Lamah has a toe problem.

St Gallen have no fresh injury concerns to contend with, but may look to freshen up their starting XI.

Alhassae Keita is expected to be drafted into the side by coach Jeff Saibene at the expense of Ermir Lenjani.

Keita is a player who will be well known to Laudrup, as he worked with the Guinean striker during his time in charge of Mallorca.

Click to enlarge

No comments:

Post a Comment

Free Web Site Hit Counter
Ultraflex Lenses