U23s PREVIEW: Richards expects tough test
12th December
Coach Gary Richards wants to see Swansea City Under-23s build on their unbeaten run in Premier League 2 against West Ham in Dagenham tonight (7pm).
A 2-0 victory over Norwich in November saw the young Swans record a fifth successive league victory to extend their lead at the top to eight points.
Meanwhile, the Hammers - who are still unbeaten at home this season - slipped to fourth in the table following their defeat at Fulham.
"It would be great to maintain the performance levels we have reached in recent weeks," Richards said.
"West Ham are a very good footballing side and have a fantastic home record, so we know we have our work cut out tonight. We are expecting a very tough game.
"Our aim is to build on those five wins. We want to go into that Christmas break in good shape."
Goals from Owain Jones and Botti Biabi saw the U23s claim a 2-0 victory over West Ham when the sides met at the Liberty Stadium in August.
And Richards has called on the young Swans to put in a repeat performance.
"We played really well against them at the Liberty earlier this year and must strive to get a repeat performance," he continued.
"Changes will be made from our Checkatrade Trophy victory against Norwich but we are lucky to have an excellent squad of players to pick from.
"I am very confident with our young players and tonight's game will be another chance for them to impress. Everyone is chomping at the bit to play and I want to see them continue to prove themselves."
SWANS U23s SQUAD (from): Gregor Zabret, Lewis Thomas, Aaron Lewis, Keston Davies, Tyler Reid, Tom Plezier, Joe Rodon, Tom Holland, Jack Evans, Tom Dyson, Ryan Blair, George Byers, Botti Biabi, Alex Bray, Owain Jones, Alex Samuel, Jordan Garrick, Daniel James.
