Preview

 

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Club Friendlies 1 clash between Swansea City and Forest Green Rovers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Swansea City continue their period of behind-closed-doors friendlies with the visit of Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Russell Martin's side most recently took part in two 60-minute clashes with Colchester United, while the visitors beat Melksham Town 3-0 before going down to Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1.

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Match preview

From being 90 minutes away to a place in the Premier League in 2021 to languishing in 15th spot at the end of the most recent campaign, a period of rejuvenation is needed within the ranks at Swansea City over the summer months.

Russell Martin has already seen his side thump Haverfordwest 7-0 this month, with Joel Piroe netting a hat-trick for the Swans on the day, and the Championship club then split into two teams for a pair of 60-minute clashes with Colchester United.

Colchester beat one Swansea XI 2-0 before a Joel Latibeaudiere header saw Martin's side glean a measure of revenge in a 1-0 success straight afterwards, and the Swans also have exhibiton games with Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic to come in the next couple of weeks.

The capture of Joe Allen may or may not be confirmed before Swansea take to the training pitch on Saturday, with the ex-Liverpool man reportedly having a medical on Friday ahead of his return to Welsh turf, and Martin's current crop will hope to put on an exemplary showing for the 32-year-old.

Now only one division below their upcoming hosts in the English football pyramid, Forest Green Rovers are gearing up for their first-ever season of League One football after storming to the League Two title in 2021-22.

Rob Edwards led his side to 84 points, which saw the Green Army fend off the threat of Exeter City to finish atop the rankings on goal difference, but the 39-year-old then departed in incredibly acrimonious circumstances to take the reins at Watford.

Owner Dale Vince did not hold back following Edwards's departure, claiming that the title-winning boss had let the club down, and Ian Burchnall has now arrived from Notts County to try to secure back-to-back seasons of third tier football.

Forest Green eased to a 3-0 victory over Melksham Town at the end of June, but Burchnall's side were humbled 4-1 by Wolves last weekend, and the Green Army will also battle with Swindon Supermarine and Newport County before mixing it with the big boys in League One.

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Team News

Swansea have been dealt a major injury blow already in pre-season, as midfielder Liam Walsh ruptured his Achilles in the win over Haverfordwest and is set for months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.

Ben Cabango is keeping Walsh company in the treatment room, and Martin will hope to give as many players as possible 45 minutes of action on Saturday.

The bulk of the XI that won the second contest with Colchester could start from the first whistle here, including the likes of Piroe, Matt Grimes and Michael Obafemi.

As for the visitors, new signings Armani Little, Kyle McAllister and Corey O'Keeffe - the former of whom netted in the win over Melksham - are all hoping to catch Burchnall's eye in pre-season, but Gambia international Ebou Adams has departed for Cardiff City.

Jamille Matt should don the captain's armband in the final third, while Dominic Bernard and Baily Cargill could form the centre-back pairing with a couple of trialists also in tow.

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Fisher; Naughton, Latibeaudiere, Wood, Manning; Grimes, Fulton, O. Cooper; Congreve, Piroe, Obafemi

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; O'Keeffe, Cargill, Bernard, Boyes; McAllister, Little, Hendry, Cadden; Matt, March

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We say: Swansea City 3-1 Forest Green Rovers

In spite of Edwards's rancorous exit, spirits are high in the Forest Green camp right now, and Burchnall's side should have no fear in attacking a Swansea defence that looks far from impenetrable.

Martin's side could very well have found themselves competing alongside Forest Green in League One had a few more results not gone their way last term, but the quality of the hosts should shine through on Saturday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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