Preview | Swansea City (H)
The Game
Argyle v Swansea City. Home Park. Tuesday, 10 December. 7.45pm. Sky Bet Championship.
The Opposition
After 19 games, Swansea are 13th in the Championship table, having accrued 24 points. Their six wins, six draws and seven defeats demonstrate the mixed results and inconsistency of their season.
Although losing their opening game at Middlesbrough, Swansea then won three of their next five, beating Preston North End and Norwich City at home, and Coventry City away.
From the end of September to the end of October, there came a six-game run in which the Swans alternated between draws and defeats, with low scoring the order of the day. All three defeats came by a 1-0 scoreline, with a 1-1 draw and two 0-0 stalemates.
Business picked up from November, with two wins in a week, away at Oxford United and at home to Watford. This was followed by a 1-0 loss at Burnley, a thrilling 4-3 reverse at home to Leeds United, before a return to winning ways at Derby County.
Swansea have drawn their last two games; finishing 2-2 against Portsmouth, having trailed twice, and then, on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at Luton Town, having again gone behind in the game.
The Gaffer
Luke Williams took over as Swansea manager in January, returning to a club where he had previously been assistant manager.
Williams never had a professional career as a player, but took up coaching early, coaching in the academies of various clubs, most notably Brighton and Hove Albion, where he rose to the level of under-23s manager.
Williams became the assistant manager of Swindon Town, and eventually the manager of the Robins, but would leave following their relegation to League Two. After a period with Bristol City's under-23s, Williams became Russell Martin's assistant at Milton Keynes Dons, following him to Swansea.
In June 2022, Williams was appointed manager of Notts County, in the Vanarama National League, and was a revelation. County finished second, eventually going up via the play-offs, scoring 117 goals.
Back in the EFL, Williams had elevated County to fifth place when opting to return to South Wales, replacing Michael Duff as Swansea manager.
The Squad
Matt Grimes is Swansea’s captain, and has started every league game this season. Midfielder Grimes, who began his career at Exeter City, signed for Swansea nearly ten years ago, but spent several seasons as a back-up, being loaned out to Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Northampton Town. In 2018/19, he had his Swansea breakthrough, and rarely been out of the side since. He has now played 322 games for the club.
Two more ever-presents this season for the Swans have been central defensive pairing Ben Cabango and Harry Darling. 24-year-old Cabango came through the Swansea ranks, and has recently passed the 200 appearances mark. Classy centre-back Darling caught the eye at Milton Keynes Dons, having previously played for Cambridge United. Now 25, he was signed by Swansea in the summer of 2022, by his old MK boss Russell Martin.
With five goals, Liam Cullen (above) is Swansea’s leading goalscorer this season, having started 12 games and come on as a substitute in six more. Save for a loan spell with Lincoln City, Cullen’s whole career has been with Swansea. Now 25, he has played 137 times for the Swans, scoring 25 goals, usually playing as a forward or attacking midfielder. He also has seven caps for Wales.
Recent Meetings
Last season, each side defeated the other in away games. In October, Swansea came to Home Park and won 3-1. Although former Swan Luke Cundle put Argyle in front, Jerry Yates, Ollie Cooper and Josh Key won the day for City. In February, another former Swansea player, Morgan Whittaker, scored the game’s only goal in Argyle’s first away victory of the season.
Tickets
Tickets are still available. Click here to buy online.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s coverage starts with the pre-match show, hosted by Erin Black and Katie Middleton, live on YouTube from pitchside, starting at 7.15pm. Commentary for the game will be provided by Charlie Price and Marc Edworthy.
Match passes to watch this game will be available to international audiences. More information to follow.
Sky Sports
The game will be available to watch on Sky Sports+.
Project 35
The match is a dedicated Project 35 fixture. Supporters are encouraged to bring items of in-date, non-perishable food to Home Park, as we continue to support those who suffer from food poverty in our area.
Click here to find out more.
