Laudrup expecting tough test

31st January


Michael Laudrup is anticipating a 'tough afternoon' on Saturday when the Swans face West Ham in the Premier League (12.45pm).

Swansea travel to Upton Park on the back of Tuesday's win over Fulham - their first victory in ten league games.

West Ham, meanwhile, come into the game on a high following a goalless draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Sam Allardyce's men currently occupy a space in the bottom three of the Premier League, but are just two points away from safety.

The Swans, however, rose up the table following the victory over Fulham in midweek, but Laudrup anticipates a tough test on Saturday.



"Every game is different," he said. "They (West Ham) could have lost against Chelsea but they didn't, and they did well.

"It was a huge win for us on Tuesday, and the first in quite some games. We now have three coming up where it is the same, starting tomorrow.

"But it will be a tough game. Not because of what they did, but they have a few players back and are a strong, physical side.

"The players know what to expect and it will be a tough afternoon for us."

Meanwhile, the sub-plot for the weekend's fixtures is the end of the January transfer window, which slams shut late on Friday.

Swansea have been linked with a move for Leicester striker Jeffrey Schlupp, while defender Neil Taylor is the subject of interest from Fulham.

But Laudrup played down the prospect of any movement at the Liberty Stadium, while the boss also provided an injury update.

"He (Taylor) has been through a lot in terms of injury," he said. "But he is here, we have two very good left full backs and we'll continue to have that.

"It is understandable that people want to play but the facts are that he is here, and the most important thing for me is the players that are here.

"In the last few weeks we have had some injuries, but we had four back against Fulham.

"(Jose) Canas trained today and Michu should be training next week and suddenly that is everyone back, apart from Garry Monk.

"If we get everyone back I think we have a very good squad and that is a huge boost for everyone."