Preview | Cardiff City U21s v Swansea City U21s
Swansea City Under-21s are back in action this afternoon and looking to continue their good form as they take on Cardiff City at the Leckwith Stadium (2pm).
The two sides meet for the first time in the league this campaign, following September's tie in the fourth round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, which the Swans won on penalties.
The Swans have been on a positive run, and came out on top in their most recent outing as they comfortably beat Colchester United 4-1 last Friday at Landore Training Ground thanks to a hat-trick from Kristian Fletcher and a first under-21s' goal for Charlie Veevers.
The Bluebirds have picked up just one win in their last five fixtures, with the solitary victory coming against Bristol City. Last time out, they played out a thrilling 5-5 draw against Charlton Athletic.
Pre-match views
Coach Anthony Wright: “There’s always a buzz in the atmosphere when we approach playing Cardiff, these games always have an edge.
"We've already faced them this season in the Nathaniel MG Cup, and it was an entertaining one back in Cardiff last year. We’ll just go in with our principles and style of play like we always do, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Previous meeting - October 11 2022
Ten-man Swansea City Under-21s fell to a 4-3 defeat on their last league visit to Cardiff City in a seven-goal thriller which saw two first-half penalties and a red card.
James Crole was the man to open the scoring for the home side before bagging a second inside 20 minutes.
The Swans were awarded a penalty minutes later after a handball in the box. Joel Cotterill eased the ball into the back of the net to halve the deficit, but the Swans suffered the dismissal of in-form striker Josh Thomas in the immediate aftermath.
Before the interval, Wasiri Williams headed home from a Cotterill corner-kick, leaving the 10-man visitors deservedly level heading into the break.
The second half saw more goals as Williams was on target once again from a set-piece, firing the Swans' ahead. But the lead was short-lived as substitute Isaac Jefferies equalised minutes after being introduced for Cardiff.
The Bluebirds regained the lead five minutes from the whistle as Jack Leahy's strike from distance found the net to snatch the three points.
Swansea City Under-21s: Remy Mitchell, Joe Thomas, Wasiri Williams, Azeem Abdulai, Brandon Cooper (captain), Nathaniel Ogbeta, Tarrelle Whittaker, Josh Thomas, Ben Lloyd, Lincoln McFayden.
Subs: Harry Jones, Ben Hughes, Kyrell Wilson, Geoff Bony, Kai Ludvigsen