Swansea City boss Francesco Guidolin has called for courage at Leicester City

25th August

Francesco Guidolin has called for courage at Leicester City this weekend as Swansea City bid to upset the champions.

The Swans were beaten 4-0 by the Foxes when they last visited the King Power Stadium back in April.

And Leicester's visit to the Liberty last season was no more enjoyable as Riyad Mahrez inspired Claudio Ranieri's team to a 3-0 triumph in what proved to be Garry Monk's last game in charge.

And Guidolin will remind his players about the pain of their two meetings with Leicester last term as they go in search of a result on Saturday.

"We have to remember - we need to reflect on those results," said the Swans boss.

"We need to play a clever game this weekend, and we also need to play a courageous game against a very good team.

"Last season we conceded seven goals against Leicester. It's important to remember that.

"I think Leicester are a strong team - they are almost the same as last season.

"Maybe against Hull (on the opening day) they were not lucky, then they drew with Arsenal.

"We have to play with courage against them. We have to play with courage in every game in this league and I hope to see my players do that this weekend."

Guidolin revealed that Oliver McBurnie will be part of the travelling squad this weekend after his midweek double in the EFL Cup, although it remains to be seen whether the young forward will play any part.

"Oli is a player who is improving. He has enthusiasm and he is a fighter," he added.

"I think he needs to improve again, but he is always with us in the training sessions and the future is for him.

"He will travel with us this weekend, then I will decide."

Leon Britton will also be in the travelling party having missed out against Hull last weekend, but club-record signing Borja is not yet ready to feature because of a thigh problem.

Neil Taylor, meantime, will play for the under-23s against West Ham at the Liberty on Friday night as he continues to build his match fitness, so will not figure at Leicester.

Guidolin on Borja's fitness

"I think next week he will be ready to work with us. It's not a good moment for him (to get injured) because he is a new player - he would like to play and show his qualities.

"But it's not a big injury and we need a little bit of patience. I think on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, he can work with us."

Guidolin on the search for a centre-back

"At the moment my focus is on Leicester. I am not thinking about the end of the transfer window, but I think our chairman is working on this.

"We need another centre-back. I am happy with the three centre-backs I have, but the season is long so we need another one.

"After the Leicester game, we have time to take some decisions before the deadline."

Guidolin on Jefferson Montero

"He is an important player for us. He will have the possibility to play - I don't know if it will be on Saturday or in the next period. The most important thing is that my players are ready.

"But I don't promise anything to players because I have to look at their qualities in every training session and every game. The most important thing for me is to be clear and honest with them."

Guidolin on Neil Taylor

"He asked me yesterday if he could play for the under-23s because his fitness is not 100 per cent after Euro 2016.

"He is a little bit behind so he will play for the under-23s, then with the national team."

Guidolin on Leon Britton

"He travels with us, but I have to decide the team and the substitutes.

"Leon for me is very important as a man, not only as a player. I consider him to be a true leader of my team."

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