Preview | Swansea City v Norwich City

5th February
First team
Match preview Norwich home

It's set to be the fixture of the Championship this weekend as Swansea City take on league leaders Norwich City at the Liberty Stadium (8.15pm).

The Swans go into the game on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run, while the high-flying Canaries arrive in SA1 with the best away record in the division.

Steve Cooper's side are unbeaten in their last 11 in SA1, with their only defeat on home soil coming against Huddersfield.

Brentford's midweek win over Bristol City saw the Swans drop to third in the table - a point behind the Bees and five from Norwich, but with a game in hand.

Matt Grimes

Team news

Head coach Steve Cooper is hopeful Korey Smith will be available to face his former club after missing the last three games with a quad injury.

Transfer deadline day signings Morgan Whittaker and Kieron Freeman are looking to make their debuts, though USA international Paul Arriola won't feature as he is yet to arrive at the club following his loan move from DC United.

Kyle Naughton returns from his one-match ban, but Liam Cullen, Wayne Routledge and Brandon Cooper are long-term absentees.

Norwich are without midfielder Emi Buendia, who is serving a two-game suspension after being sent off for two bookings for the second time this season.

Morgan Whittaker

Pre-match views

Swans head coach Steve Cooper: “We've got to embrace these challenges and look forward to them, and have no fear.

“It’s about really backing ourselves and trying to do the best of our ability. Regardless of when you play Norwich, it’s going to be a tough challenge.

“It’s got the makings of a good game. They’re going well, we’re going well. They have a very clear way of playing."

Norwich City manager Daniel Farke: “In general, we're in a really good position in the league, and we know we realistically need to win 25 more points for the safety of the play-offs, and for direct promotion it’s 35.

“If we win tomorrow, we have to win less in the last games. It's an important game, but no more important than any other.

“We're going to Swansea and we're going to try our best in a difficult situation, this is our third game in six days.”

Steve Cooper

Remember the last time

The Swans left Carrow Road in November frustrated at having not taken their chances, and ultimately Marco Stiepermann's late goal meant it was Norwich who claimed victory.

The German midfielder found the net with just six minutes to go, finding the net via the inside of the post.

The Swans went agonisingly close to an opener with Andre Ayew hitting the post in the first half, while Jamal Lowe forced three excellent saves from Norwich keeper Tim Krul.

The visitors also had strong penalty appeals dismissed when Jake Bidwell was felled in the box in the second half.

Two superb blocks at the other end by Connor Roberts looked to have the Swans on course for another clean sheet, but it was not to be.

Connor Roberts

Prime numbers

9 - The Swans are in fine form and have proved hard to beat over the last few months, with Cooper's side looking to take their unbeaten run into double figures.

15 - The hosts' unbeaten form has been backed by a stern defensive effort, with the Swans boasting the least amount of goals conceded in the division.

26 - Norwich's points tally on the road can't be beaten by any club in the division, with Farke's side proving they are as tough away from home as they are at Carrow Road.

11 - Only Huddersfield have left from SA1 with three points this season, and the Swans have reacted to that setback with an 11-match unbeaten streak at the Liberty.

Norwich virtual mascots

Tonight's mascots

Tonight we welcome our virtual mascots, Tobias Robinson and Zach Weerackoon.

Tobias, aged eight, is from Swansea and his favourite player is Jamal Lowe. He plays football for Bont and the Swans.

Zach, aged 10, is also from Swansea and has a sister called Katie-Lee. Zach’s favourite player is Andre Ayew.