Swansea’s youngsters show their worth ahead of crucial game against Derby

The promotion push has been tougher than Steve Cooper’s men would have hoped for after being held to a draw against play-off rivals Preston last Saturday.

The game finished in a 1-1 draw which had no effect on either clubs position in the league but as the season draws closer to an end, the draws must turn to wins.

This is however overshadowed by the excellence of the young players making statements on the pitch.

Rhian Brewster has now managed to net two goals in four game as well as showing his fierce competitiveness off the ball, showing he belongs in the position he plays.

Conor Gallagher is being tipped to be the next David Beckham since his arrival at SA1, work rate and delivery of the ball has been nothing short of magic and only something you would expect from a seasoned veteran, not an up and coming kid.

Liam Cullen was also rewarded with a championship debut against Preston, after shining for the clubs U23’s in recent games, scoring ten and assisting one since the new year.

Team News

Chelsea loanee Marc Guehi hopes to make his home debut for the Swans after appearing in the past two away games against Stoke City and Preston North End.

Mike Van Der Hoorn will continue his place on the sidelines as he is not yet fully recovered from persistent knee injury, suffered earlier on in the season.

However, Connor Roberts looks set to return after a shoulder injury, the Welshman’s performances this season has been second to none and will be a great asset for the Swan’s this weekend.

Derby midfielder Tom Huddlestone is also expected to miss out for the clash as the former England international has been nursing a calf injury obtained in their January show down with Hull.

Huddlestone will  be recovering with George Evans who is also out for six to eight weeks with a calf injury and will be watching Saturdays game on the sidelines.

Marc Guehi:

“I’ve had a few away games now, so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our fans,” said the Chelsea loanee, who captained England Under-17s to World Cup glory under Cooper in 2017.

“I’ve seen the great support for our away games, so I know how passionate the fans are.

“The first game I was part of was the Cardiff match, and I was told it would be noisy. But all I could hear was our fans – they made an incredible atmosphere.

“I was obviously on the bench for the Wigan game at the Liberty, but I can’t wait to experience playing in front of the home fans. Hopefully that will come this weekend.”

Philip Cocu:

“We have to be aware of, especially if things go better and you feel good, score goals, win games, good football, is that that you don’t think it (an away win) will come by itself.

“On paper it can sometimes be a tough opponent that you face like Manchester United in the FA Cup or a strong league opponent, but we know we have to put the same effort and intensity in.

“Once we get an away win, we will still keep the focus and I am very confident we can get a good streak in the next couple of games. They are tough away games coming, but I still believe it is possible for us to do it.”

Head-to-head

Games played: 43

Swansea wins: 19

Draws: 8

Derby wins: 16

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