Jake Bidwell and Swansea City excited to start Championship campaign

8th September
First team
Jake Bidwell Forest Green

Jake Bidwell says he and Swansea City will relish a tough test ahead as they prepare to kick-off the Championship campaign at Preston on Saturday.

The Swans head to Deepdale for their opening assignment of the 2020-21 league season, having suffered Carabao Cup disappointment at Newport last weekend.

They face a Preston side who have regularly been in the hunt for the play-off spots under Alex Neil, with Swansea claiming a pair of 1-1 draws on their visits to face the Lilywhites since returning to the second tier in 2018.

It makes for a challenging opener, but it is one Bidwell and company are looking forward to on the back of their strong finish to the 2019-20 season.

Jake Bidwell Newport

“When you see those fixtures it just gives you a lift and a target to aim for. You feel the season starts to take shape and we know it will be a tough task,” he said.

“They have had a proud home record over recent seasons, but these are the sort of games you want to test yourself in.

“The season is played over 46 games rather than just this first one, but we’d obviously like to start the league season with a positive result.

“It’s true that there are no easy games in the Championship, especially away from home, but it’s one we are going to be ready for.”