Laudrup expecting tough Spurs test

28th March


Michael Laudrup insists his side are in for a 'very difficult' game this weekend when they entertain Tottenham at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans go into the game on the back of successive defeats against West Brom and Arsenal, while Spurs have also lost their last two against Liverpool and Fulham.

Laudrup's side were on the receiving end of a narrow 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane back in December, with Jan Vertonghen scoring the only goal of the game.

Spurs currently lie fourth in the Premier League table - four points ahead of rivals Arsenal in fifth.

And Laudrup knows his side are in for a stern test of their credentials this weekend.

"We have eight games to go, and we have to take them one by one," he said. "But the first one is very difficult.

"Of all the games we've played this season, the team that has impressed me the most is Tottenham.

"They are a strong side, with a lot of individual skill and plenty of pace. They are great on the counter attack as well so we know it's going to be tough.

"If they (Spurs) finish fourth it will be a fantastic season for them because they will be back in the Champions League."

With just eight games left to play this season, the Premier League season is preparing to enter a frantic finale.

There is still plenty to play for at both ends of the table, and the Swans will be looking to finish on a high after another memorable campaign at the Liberty.

Four of their remaining games are against the current top four, while Laudrup remains confident that the squad can reach his next target.

"We still have to play Manchester United and Chelsea away," he said. "The latter will no doubt be difficult after we beat them in the League Cup semi-final.

"Apart from those three, we have another five. And I still think it's possible to get to 50 points."

With the season entering its final stages, the rumour mill has again been in force with Swans defender Ashley Williams reportedly attracting the interest of Liverpool.

However, with a number of players already committing themselves to the club next season, Laudrup has no real concerns about losing key members of his squad this summer.

"When your players are doing well, interest is normal," he said. "But a lot of our regular players, including Ashley, having extended their contracts.

"That shows they want to stay here next season, but of course you never know in football."

Meanwhile, it looks as though Chico Flores will make his return to the first-team squad this weekend.

The Spanish defender has been out of action since damaging ankle ligaments in the win over Queens Park Rangers in February, while Neil Taylor edges ever closer to a return.

"Chico looks good," said Laudrup. "He still feels something in some movements, which is normal, but he is more or less there and he is fit.

"Neil is playing an Under-21 game next Tuesday and hopefully he'll play as long as possible and he's looking good in training."