Britton: Home form is the key

Leon Britton has urged Swansea City to keep up the good work on their own patch this season as they get set for Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

The Swans run out at the Liberty Stadium for the first time in 2017-18 when United come to Wales this weekend.

And though he expects a stern test against Jose Mourinho’s title hopefuls, Britton wants Paul Clement’s men to pick up where they left off last season.

The Swans limped through the first half of 2016-17 both at home and on the road, but their Liberty form after Christmas was very impressive.

Britton and Co lost only two of their nine SA1 fixtures following the appointment of Clement, against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

There was also a frustrating goalless draw with Middlesbrough, but the Swans racked up wins against Southampton, Leicester, Burnley, Stoke, Everton and West Brom as they surged to Premier League survival.

“Since the manager came in at the beginning of January, our home form has been very good,” Britton said.

“It wasn’t there in the first half of last season, but we then produced in the second half of last year and that was a big reason why we stayed up.

“In every season where we have been successful since I have been at the club, our home form has been crucial.

“We have always picked up points away from home along the way, but home form has been the key.

“That is where you can put the foundations down for a good season and we want to do the same again this season.”

The Swans were well beaten at home by United last term, but they gained a valuable draw – which could have been a win – at Old Trafford in the final weeks of the campaign.

Britton acknowledges that Mourinho’s men look a stronger proposition this season having brought in the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, but insists the Swans can pull off a shock.

“I watched Manchester United last weekend and they were very impressive,” the Swans skipper added.

“They have spent a lot of money in the summer and it looks like their signings have had an impact straightaway.

“But we have proved many times that we can give anyone a game at home and that’s what we’ll look to do this weekend.”