Russell Martin | We will need to show intensity and aggression

Russell Martin knows Swansea City will need to show a balance of substance and style when they host Hull City at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The Swans return to action against the Tigers following the international break, with new arrivals Rhys Williams, Olivier Ntcham and Michael Obafemi all in contention to make their debuts.

The sides are separated by goal difference in the table, with Hull without a win since beating Preston on the opening weekend.

The East Riding of Yorkshire club are familiar opponents to head coach Martin and his coaching staff, having faced them twice in League One last term during his time with MK Dons.

And he is under no illusions as to the nature of the challenge that will face his side in SA1 this afternoon.

“Hull are a really good, physical, athletic side who have a number of matchwinners,” said Martin.

“They are strong in midfield, and it will be a tough game.

“They had a brilliant start to the season, they have had a bit of a tough run since but whenever you are promoted to another division there is a period of settling in, and adjusting to the different demands.

“I like and respect the manager there, he did a really good job last season after the disappointment of the year before.

“They will come with intensity and aggression and we will need to match that.

“We have an idea of how they approach it, it will be interesting and it is one we are looking forward to.

“We have got a lot of good work in on the training field, I’ve been very happy with a lot of what we have been able to do, and we want to put that out on the pitch.”