5 Ways Swansea Can Defeat Derby to Continue Their Good Start to the Season | OneFootball

Derby County will host Swansea City tomorrow in the early kickoff, with John Eustace’s side aiming for their first 3 points of the season. Portuguese coach Vitor Matos has had a steady start to life in South Wales, and he will look to extend the Swans’ unbeaten run in the Championship to 7. Both teams went out in the first round of the Carabao Cup and can now put their focus on the league until the FA Cup begins.

Here are 5 ways Swansea can defeat Derby.

Predictions

Before getting started on the main points, here’s the lineup that Vitor Matos could opt for:

Swansea Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vigoroux, Key, Welsh, Lissah, Tymon, Stamenic, Fulton, Opoku, Just, Yeo, Idah

Adam Idah may start again over Žan Vipotnik with the Slovenian’s future still uncertain. New signing Stephen Eustaquio is likely to start on the bench, as is fresh Sunderland loanee Jenson Seelt, but should this be the case, both will probably get minutes later on. Josh Key could start over Ben Cabango as Lissah moves to centre back since the club captain has picked up an injury.

Utilise New Signings

The Swans have been busy in the market this season since their partnership with Jamestown Analytics in late June. Elijah just had a solid pre-season but still needs to get off the mark in the league, and new striker Ross Stewart is yet to get a proper opportunity. If these players can click, Swansea could cruise past the Rams. Joseph Opoku has been a standout player so far, scoring against Stoke in their 2-1 win. Opoku’s fellow winger Moussa Yeo has only shown glimpses of a great player, but using his dribbling ability could cause the Derby defenders issues.

New boy Eustaquio is the most exciting of Swansea’s new pickups, though, scoring a fantastic goal for Canada at the World Cup. Swans fans will hope he can replicate that form should he cameo against Derby.

Start on the front foot.

2 of Swansea’s 3 games have seen them go goalless, and in the win at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke grabbed the first goal. They struggled last season in situations where the opposing team got the first goal early, and they must make sure they do not fall victim to this problem tomorrow. A strong comeback against Stoke City was a good sign, but it would be beneficial for the Swans to put the burners on from the rip to unsettle the opposition. An early goal for Swansea could be the difference, especially if the defence can hold it together. Sunderland loanee Jenson Seelt could bring that cool defensive head off the bench if Cabango is unavailable.

Get the best out of Opoku

Joseph Opoku has already shown Swansea fans what he can do, scoring in pre-season and netting in a comeback against Stoke City. Getting him firing against Derby would be the Swans’ biggest threat. He is a very clever player who can beat his man and show creativity in front of goal. His deflected finish against Stoke showed that he can get into those sorts of positions and make something out of them. His speed on transition could be crucial, and Vitor Matos can deploy him on either wing due to his versatility. He is a player that Swans fans should be excited about this season, and he could show exactly why tomorrow.

Making the right subs

Even with Swansea’s strong potential starting team, they still have a wealth of options on the bench who could change the game. The obvious one is last season’s top scorer, Vipotnik, if he is still at the club, let alone on the bench. If Idah has a poor showing, bringing the Slovenian on will offer fresh ideas and an unpredictability that you don’t get with the Irishman. Swansea’s other major threat off the bench would be Eustaquio. He can come on and take charge of the game, playing across all thirds of the pitch; the Canadian can dictate play from deep and also pop up for a goal around the box. The new signing is a dangerous, experienced player with heaps of technical ability.

Win the midfield battle

Derby has a strong midfield, and taking control of that area of the pitch will be a crucial part of the game plan. Lucky for Swansea, they have some of the best midfield options in the league. Stamenic is an imposing figure and can lock down the midfield while also being comfortable on the ball. Jay Fulton and Just will also provide balance and stability, offering more on-the-ball ability, and can be threats going up the pitch, particularly Just. Eustaquio’s praises have already been sung on here, and Swansea also have Widell and Walta, who can offer something new off the bench. Many Swans fans have already been won over by Walta, who can be a real threat in the 10.

Predicted Scoreline

Derby 0-2 Swansea

Swansea manage to cruise past Derby and get their clean sheet – another 3 points on the board. Watch the game live on Sky Sports+ on Saturday, 29th August, at 12:30pm.