Derby v Swans: The big talking points

30th November
First team

​​​​​​​Swansea City make a swift return to Championship action when they travel to Pride Park this weekend.

Here are all the key discussion points heading into the Swans’ clash with Derby County.

 

Time for clear heads

Graham Potter has told his players that their mindset should be positive as they get set for another tricky Championship examination.

It has been a disappointing week so far courtesy of home defeats against Norwich and West Brom.

But Potter insists his team should not be downcast as they head for Derby.

The Swans boss was pleased with much of what he saw against the Baggies on Wednesday.

What the Swans must avoid this weekend is the sort of soft goals which have cost them dear in the last two games.

 

Ram raid?

Can the Swans make amends for those two home losses by winning at Derby?

One thing which is certain is that it will be another tough challenge for Potter’s men as they face the seventh-placed Rams.

Play-off losers last season, Derby look capable of having another serious tilt at promotion this term.

They have had some big results in recent weeks, beating the likes of Sheffield United, West Brom and Birmingham.

But Derby were thumped 3-0 by Aston Villa in their last home fixture, and they lost to 10-man Stoke on Wednesday night.

 

Frank the Jack

A trip to Derbyshire means a reunion for the Swans with their one-time loanee Frank Lampard.

The former England man got his first taste of senior football – and scored his first goal – during a stint at Vetch Field in 1995-96.

Signed on loan from West Ham, he netted once in 11 appearances for the Swans.

It was the start of a sparkling playing career.

Now Lampard, who might have had another stint as a Swan when Paul Clement came calling, is in the early stages of life as a manager.

He is doing pretty well so far, with Derby showing some promising signs.

 

Fresh legs required?

Potter insisted fatigue was not a factor as he picked his team to face West Brom given that the Norwich clash was four days earlier.

But will he look to freshen things up given that the Swans were in action on Wednesday night?

It would not be a surprise.

The likes of Kyle Naughton, Declan John, Jay Fulton, Barrie McKay, Jefferson Montero and Joel Asoro will all be hoping for a start.

 

No double vision

We might have been treated to the sight of Martin Olsson taking on identical twin brother Marcus this weekend.

However, Derby’s Olsson is out of action having suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

He will presumably be watching on from the stands as his sibling looks to inspire a Swans success.