Preview | Swansea City v Preston
Swansea City look to end a run of three consecutive defeats when they host Preston at the Liberty on Easter Monday (3pm).
Steve Cooper's side went down to a 1-0 defeat at Birmingham on Friday, with sub Scott Hogan's injury-time penalty settling an encounter that had also seen Freddie Woodman save a Lukas Jutkiewicz spotkick.
With consecutive losses to Bournemouth, Cardiff and Birmingham, the Swans now sit nine points adrift of second-placed Watford, though they have a game in hand.
They'll be looking for a better performance and result when the Lilywhites visit SA1, though, as the Swans look to revive their promotion hopes.
Preston will be led by interim head coach Frankie McAvoy, who kicked off his time in charge with a 1-1 draw against Norwich City.
Team news
Cooper is hoping to have Conor Hourihane available to start, with the Irish international among the unused substitutes at St Andrew's despite not having trained in the build up to that game.
Liam Cullen is unavailable but is making good progress in his rehab following an ankle injury, while US international Paul Arriola has returned to parent club D.C. United after suffering a recurrence of a thigh injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
Preston will be without Alan Browne, who sits out the final game of his three match suspension, whilst Paul Gallagher is in the dug out - rather than on the pitch - as he forms part of the coaching team for the rest of the season.
Pre-match views
Steve Cooper: “That’s the test of character that we need to show. We need to show that we’re strong mentally and physically, and we’re a good team. We need to show our true value in our next game.”
“We have to embrace the nine games, the challenge, our position and make the most of our opportunity, and try not to have any regrets.”
Remember the last time?
The previous meeting between the sides came on the opening day of the season, where a first goal for Wolves loanee Morgan Gibbs-White earned the Swans a 1-0 victory.
Prime numbers
11 - The Swans are a tough side to break down on home soil, with only Watford conceding fewer goals on their own turf this season.
8 - Despite sitting 17th, Preston possess a strong away record - picking up more wins than Watford, Reading and Bournemouth.
Today we welcome our virtual mascots, Jacob Hobby and Iola Parton.
Jacob, six, is from Aberdare and his favourite players are Andre Ayew and Connor Roberts. Jacob plays football for AFC Llwydcoed.
Iola, 10, is from Swansea and her favourite player is Connor Roberts. Iola plays football for Prescelli Ragged & Swansea School Girls, and has a sister called Ceinwen.
