Leeds v Swansea - Match Preview

Hold your hands up and admit it. When the fixtures were released in June you looked to see who we would face first and then scanned the list to see when we faced Leeds both home and away. It is by far the biggest draw of this league season and the one that was always likely to attract much interest.

With a travelling support that could exceed 2500 it will be a great atmosphere at the game - much of the Swansea support won't be quiet on away trips and ten times as many Leeds fans are likely to create some noise themselves. And with the home side having wiped their 15 point penalty, and some more, in the first 6 games of the season they have every right to believe that maybe they can produce not just the improbable but the impossible along with it.

The Swans, for their part are on great form with three straight wins and are in the play off positions having moved to 4th place with the midweek win over Cheltenham. With two home games to follow - Brighton and Swindon - a positive result at Leeds could really shape their destiny for the next 7 months let alone the next few games.

A 7th win for Leeds will, I am told, set a club record for consecutive wins at the front end of the season although, on the opposite hand, a defeat could see them return to the bottom of the league despite that fantastic start.

The Swans have been dealt a blow with the absence of both Leon Britton and Andy Robinson for the game but it will give both Paul Anderson and Tom Butler I assume a chance to stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up on a more permanent basis. Marcos Painter is an almost certainty to return to the first Xi himself whilst it would be incredible if Ferrie Bodde is left out now that he has returned from his three match ban.

Throw all of that into the mix and you get the following predicted starting line-up

Doris

Rangel Monk Lawrence Painter

Butler Pratley Bodde Anderson

Scotland Duffy

I guess there will be some question marks over the predicted line up but I really cant see Pratley being left out which I suspect many would do.

Leeds are without captain Alan Thompson but Tore Andre Flo is expected to feature from the bench.

Midfielder Curtis Weston (ankle) is fit after playing for the reserves.

So what does the future hold for this game. I suspect that many Swans fans would take a point if it were offered before the match and I am not any different. However, I just have this sneaky feeling that we may edge this one by the odd goal in three. Let's hope so anyway.

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