Preview: Swans looking to build on win at Mestalla stadium
Michael Laudrup’s side stormed into the European avenue by earning an emphatic victory over Spanish side Valencia at the Mestalla stadium. Goals from Michu, Wilfred Bony and Jonathan De Guzmán stunned the Valencia fans as the Swans raced towards a comfortable victory.
Laudrup will now be looking for a similar showing from his men as he faces Jeff Saibene’s side. A win on Thursday will further enhance their chances of qualifying to the next round, in what would be a remarkable achievement for a side which has just begun its European adventures.
Swansea’s league performance however has not been very impressive and in the six matches they have played so far the Jacks have only managed two victories. However much of this is also down to a tricky fixture list which has seen the Swans lock horns against the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal in their opening six games.
Nevertheless technically Swansea look a much improved side this season and have played mesmerizing football. Prior to their match against Arsenal, the Swansea side had completed 2453 passes which is the highest in the league.
However in St. Gallen, Swansea have a competent opposition and will have to be at their level best if they are to outclass Jeff Saibene’s men. The Swiss side is currently unbeaten in the last 12 games in all competitions and will be looking to extend their undefeated run as they take field on Thursday.
Much of their good form has been down to their summer acquisition Goran Karanovic , who has been in excellent form scoring eight goals in 13 appearances this season. In addition to their attacking instincts which have propelled their unbeaten run, St Gallen boast a mean defence which has only conceded seven goals in nine games.
The Swiss side are on level points with Swansea in the group having scored a 2-0 victory over Russian side Kuban Krasnodar in their opening match.
Michael Laudrup has lamented the importance of today’s match and how it is important for his side to maintain the momentum in order to earn qualification to the next round.
“We can win tomorrow go top with six points – if we don’t win and Valencia beat Kuban then St Gallen are the team to beat and we are where we started. The moment is always important,” said the Danish coach
Swansea will however miss out on the services of key men with Gary Monk (knee), Angel Rangel (ankle), Ashley Williams (ankle) as well as former Valencia man Pablo Hernandez (hamstring) all sidelined for the Europa League encounter.
Sven Lehmann joins Ilija Ivic and Dzengis Cavusevic on the injury table for St Gallen and all three men are expected to serve long spells on the sideline
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Swansea vs St. Gallen live on Thursday, October 3, 2013:
In Canada at 15:05 EDT on TVA Sports, Sportsnet Ontario / East / West / Pacific
In UK at 20:05 BST on ITV Streaming, ITV 4
In USA at 15:05 ET on Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN Deportes, SiriusXM FC
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in the Switzerland can watch the match live on TeleClub Sport 3.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit Swansea vs St. Gallen match page.
