Preview | Brighton v Swansea City

22nd September
First team
Brighton match preview

Swansea City head coach Russell Martin returns to his hometown this evening to take on his boyhood club looking to cause a Carabao Cup upset (7.30pm).

The Swans boss was born and raised in Brighton, and was a regular visit to the Goldstone Ground before taking his formative steps in football as a player in the Albion academy.

He continues to have a presence in the area via the work of his Russell Martin Foundation, and recently relocated from Brighton to Swansea following his appointment as head coach.

Martin will also see a familiar face in the opposition dug-out, with Graham Potter – formerly of the Swans – among those he spoke to before making the switch to SA1.

But all those friendships and allegiances will be put to one side for the night as he looks to send Swansea into the fourth round of a competition they have previously won for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

And, following that dramatic comeback against Luton at the weekend, Martin and the Swans will be keen to build on the momentum generated during a memorable second half at Kenilworth Road.

Team news

Luton away Michael Obafemi 2

Martin has said he is set to make changes for the trip to the Amex on the back of three league games in a week following the international break.

The only definite absentee is striker Michael Obafemi, who is cup-tied having featured for Southampton in the earlier rounds of the competition.

Pre-match views

Russell Martin

Russell Martin: “It’s a great test for the guys, it’s a great place to play. It will be a tough game, but I think it will be a good game to watch.

“There will be two teams trying to play in a similar manner, not exactly the same, but it is a real test and it is a chance for some of our guys to get on the pitch and show what they can do against top class opposition.

“We have had two excellent results in the cup, the challenge here is to try and do it facing a team from a higher level.

“It’s a game to look forward to, but we will only enjoy it if we go out and put in a good performance.”

Graham Potter: “It’s a period of transition. Russell [Martin] has done really well and I think it’s a fantastic appointment for Swansea, I really do.

“He provides real clarity, real integrity, an idea that people can get behind. I think it’s the early stages of what they want to do.

“I certainly know for myself that it’s not always perfect at the start in terms of performances and results, but you can clearly see what they’re trying to do and where they want to go and they’re very impressive in that.

“With the right support, patience and time, Swansea City will be back in the Premier League with Russell, because I think there’s huge potential there.”

Remember the last time?

The Swans' 10-game unbeaten run came to an end as relegation rivals Brighton sealed a convincing victory at the Amex Stadium in February 2018.

Carlos Carvalhal's side had hoped to make more progress having taken 14 points from seven league games under the Portuguese.

But Glenn Murray netted from the spot in the first half and doubled the home side’s lead in the second half.

Anthony Knockaert further extended Brighton’s lead and, following a Lewis Dunk own goal, Jurgen Locadia rounded off the scoring.

Prime numbers

1 – Swansea will be looking to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since returning to the Championship in 2018.

12 – This is the first cup meeting between the sides in 12 years. The Swans emerging 3-0 winners on home soil in the League Cup in August 2009.