Carlos eyes cup success

Carlos Carvalhal is pledging to field a team capable of progressing when Swansea City face Notts County in the Emirates FA Cup tonight (8.05pm).

The Swans take on the Magpies in a fourth-round replay after their 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane 10 days ago.

Carvalhal made eight changes for that game, and he is expected to shuffle his pack once again this evening.

But the Swans boss says he is just as keen to emerge victorious tonight as he will be when his team return to Premier League action against Burnley this weekend.

“We will try to win this game,” Carvalhal said.

“We will not take any risks with any players who have some small pains or are risking injuries.

“But we will play a strong team. As I said before Wolves (in round three) and before the first game against Notts County, our main competition is the Premier League.

“If you gave me the choice of staying up or winning the cup, of course I would choose staying up.

“But we are happy to play these cup games. We understand the prestige of this competition. We have to respect that and we also must respect Notts County.

“It will not be an easy game, but we will fight to get to the next round.”

Should the Swans get through, Carvalhal will be able to look forward to a trip back to former club Sheffield Wednesday in round five.

But he will only contemplate a return to Hillsborough if the Swans triumph tonight.

“We know English football well enough to know games like this one against Notts County will not be easy,” Carvalhal added.

“All the games ask questions and we must find the answers.

“Notts County will ask completely different questions from what we usually get in the Premier League.

“We have to be ready for that, while we also have to try give them some problems. Let’s see which team will be stronger on the night.

“If we win, then I can talk about Sheffield Wednesday.”