Needing to scour the free agent market for defensive help, the Swans have recently turned their attention to Hungarian centre back Zoltan Liptak.
Liptak was recently released by ex-Swans boss Paulo Sousa's Videton side, probably for scoring too many goals (especially for a defender). Liptak has scored a Stoke-worthy 13 goals in 149 games so far in his career, and being a set-piece threat is always a boon among defensive players. Plus, at 6'4", he's the Ryan Shawcross of the Carpathian Basin. Rodgers has spoken positively about his effort during training so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
Speaking of waiting to see what happens, it looks like Darnel Situ is to be a Swansea player. He's just an unregistered Swansea player for the time being. This means the team will be able to register him in the January window, at which point he will be allowed to play. If I find out any different, I shall let you know. Probably around January.
Next up for the Swans is the latest big six challenge: Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Swans gave a good account of themselves against Man City in the opener and almost snatched a result (and certainly a deserved one) against Arsenal three games later. You might argue that Arsenal have been labouring under darkening skies lately, but Chelsea themselves are also going through a transition. Andre Villas-Boas has not gotten his new side to settle down yet, and although an unbalanced Chelsea will still be a formidable opponent for the Swans, any chink in big six armour is one Rodgers will identify and attempt to exploit.
These are the games the Swans aren't meant to win so there's actually a lot less pressure on the team. Less pressure usually means more fun, and we all saw last week what happens when the Swans have fun (Leroy Lita even got a yellow for thoroughly enjoying himself). I'm not saying an upset is definitely on the cards, but there is always the potential, and that makes these games all the more exciting. Throw in the "Rodgers returns" storyline, plus the "return of Scott Sinclair" storyline, plus the "who will score first - Torres or Graham?" storyline, and we're looking at a loaded game.
Predictions?
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Comments
Posted by Rafe on 09/23/2011
1 - 1...
Torres & Graham! :)
Posted by Simon on 09/23/2011
Both defences aren't at their strongest, so I'll say 3-3. Danny Graham & Torres will get the goals.
Posted by Sunjay on 09/23/2011
5-0 Chelsea (1-0 halftime) with the Blues wearing you guys down in the second half, a la Man City...Vorm to make a few spectacular saves on Torres...
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