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After our first league win in Yorkshire since February 2002 against Rotherham last Tuesday, the Swans have another good opportunity to put 3 points on the board as a struggling Leyton Orient visit the Liberty. If the Swans win it will be the first time we have managed to put back to back wins together since November! (Guess the crowd here)
The day will be extra special as Roberto Martinez takes charge of his first home game. A passionate reception awaits him from the Swans fans, and it will be an emotional return home for Roberto, who has called on the JackArmy to be the 12th man as the Swans try to sustain their Play-Off challenge.
"It's going to be very special coming back to the Liberty Stadium,'' explained Roberto. "We've been through so many things together and I'm sure there's a lot more to come.
I've always had a special relationship with the supporters who have been fantastic to me over the years. I've been so busy since I came back I haven't really had a chance to get my thoughts together about the weekend, apart from the football of course. I'm sure it will be a very emotional experience. I never really got the chance to say goodbye to the fans at the end of last season, so it doesn't feel like I have to say hello," he joked. I'm still going to enjoy the few seconds before the game, but my main aim is to be smiling at the end of the 90 minutes with the three points"
I said in my preview before the Rotherham game that 2 wins this week would give everyone a huge boost, and would get the belief back. The Rotherham result has already gone half way to achieving that, and a win tomorrow would really get the wheels back in motion. The season is far from over.
The Opposition - Leyton Orient
Orient have found life difficult since their promotion to League 1. They currently lie 18th, just 4 points above the relegation places. Their main problem seems to be consistency. At the beginning of February they lost 5-0 away at Bournemouth, and this was followed by a 4-1 home defeat to Brighton, but after a 1-1 draw with Carlisle they beat in form Millwall 5-2 at the New Den and then trounced Tranmere 3-1 last week. A bizarre run of results. What is clear though from looking at their results is that they do tend to raise their game against the bigger teams, so the Swans will have to be on their guard. Orient concede lots of goals but let plenty in at the other end. A high scoring game could be on the cards.
One To Watch
This part of the preview has been abandoned for now after nearly every 'one to watch' player I have put up has scored against us!
Team News
The Swans have quite a few injuries and suspensions. Pratley has been ruled out for the season after dislocating his shoulder against Scunthorpe. Lawrence and Amankwaah are suspended so Izzy looks likely to step into the centre of defence, while Duffy will return to right back after recovering from his bruised foot. Trundle and Abbott will continue up front being the only 2 fit strikers at the club.
Leyton Orient pair Luke Guttridge and Jabo Ibehre have shaken off ankle and knee injuries that saw them limp out of the defeat at Bournemouth. Efe Echanomi returned to full training after a month out with a knee problem, but is still building up his fitness.
Verdict
The Swans will have momentum with them after the midweek win at Rotherham. Add to this an expected larger crowd than we've been having of late, who will be really up for it and I can see nothing else other than a Swans win. I'm really looking forward to game and haven't been this excited about a home match for a very long time. Get behind the boys and let's be that 12th man!
JACKARMY!
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