Liberty form is key, says Taylor
23rd December 2016
Neil Taylor insists the Swans must make the Liberty a fortress once again - starting with the home double-header with West Ham and Bournemouth.
Bob Bradley's side host the Hammers on Boxing Day before the Cherries are the final visitors of 2016 to SA1 on New Year's Eve.
The Swans are three points from safety in the top flight, and Taylor believes home comforts of the Liberty will be key to the club's efforts to climbing to safety.
"There is no doubt that our home form is going to be vital for us," said Taylor. "Look at the likes of Burnley - They have picked up 16 of their 17 points at home, and they are higher up the table than us.
"Home form is something we need to address, but having won the last two against Crystal Palace and Sunderland at the Liberty, that gives us confidence.
"We have to make the Liberty a fortress again. We've done it before, and now we need to do it again."
The Swans face a Hammers side that has worked it's way up the table following back-to-back wins over Burnley and Hull City.
Former Swan Andre Ayew is expected to make his first visit to his old stomping ground since joining the Hammers, who could rise into the top half of the table with a first ever win at the Liberty.
And Taylor is expected a tough test against Slaven Bilic's side.
"The situation we are in is not good, and we are desperate to get out of the relegation zone," added the Welsh international. "We have not clicked yet this season - we have been struggling for form and performances.
"But I can say the lads are working extremely hard to get the results everyone associated with the club wants.
"It will be difficult against West Ham. They are a dangerous side and we will have put in a very good performance if we want to get the result we want."