Swans will head to the Etihad in high spirits, says Leon Britton
20th November
Leon Britton insists that, with team spirit high, the Swans will head to Manchester City in a confident mood on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
Since the club's promotion to the Barclays Premier League, the Swans are yet to pick up a point at the Etihad Stadium from three attempts.
In 2011, the Swans suffered a 4-0 defeat to last season's champions, while the following year they were edged out 1-0 away from home. Last season, Manuel Pellegrini's side ran out 3-0 victors.
But despite three defeats from their three visits to the blue half of Manchester, the Swans displayed encouraging performances.
And on the back of the club's sensational 2-1 victory over Arsenal before the international break, Britton believes Garry Monk's men are capable of setting the record straight at the Etihad.
"The team spirit is very good," said the English midfielder. "We're very much together and we're taking that on to the pitch. A prime example of that was against Arsenal.
"The team has done very well. All the players have done fantastic. Against Arsenal we made a few changes, but the lads who came in were brilliant as well.
"They've [Manchester City] got a fantastic squad with top international players. Maybe in recent weeks they haven't been in top gear, but I'm not sure there is a good time to play them. "They're defending champions of the Premier League. It's always tough going there.
"But we've played well there in the past and not come away with any results, so we will try and put that right on Saturday."
And after making his long-awaited return from injury almost a fortnight ago, Britton is delighted to be back and hailed the support he has been shown by team-mates and Swans supporters.
"I'm delighted to be back," he added. "It's been a tough three or four months being out injured - the longest period in my career.
"It's been difficult, but the reception I got against Arsenal made them difficult moments worthwhile.
"All the lads try and help you out when you're injured and going through a difficult time. You have your down days, but your team-mates here pick you up.
"It takes a bit of time to get up to speed, so there were a bit of nerves going back on the pitch after a long time out. But once you get back in the swing of it, you start to feel sharper."
