MansionBet Match Preview: Swansea City (A)

In association with City's Principal Partner MansionBet, we take a closer look at the match...

Pearson's appointment this week has been the talk of the town and supporters can look forward to watching him live in the dugout on Robins TV.

The former Watford and Leicester City manager was in the stands for the Robins' 3-1 win at Middlesbrough, an important result to bring an end to the team's recent slump in results.

It wasn't just about the three points but also the manner of which City went into the game, having received words of encouragement from Pearson ahead of kick-off.

There was optimism from the off and a clear understanding between the midfield and attack in particular. Famara Diédhiou and Nahki Wells worked hard up top and displayed the perfect partnership as City went into a 3-0 half-time lead.

There had been quality across the pitch, and in truth Boro didn't have much of an answer to City until the second half when it was more a test of character and good defending to see out an important away win.

There will be much confidence gained from that display on Teesside and it could come at a key time as City get set to take on promotion-chasing Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Highlights: Middlesbrough v Bristol City

They have the chance to back up Tuesday's display and that's the exact message from experienced left-back Adrian Mariappa.

Fresh from their win, the Robins now look to get themselves moving back up the table and know they are still just seven points away from the hotly-contested sixth-place spot.

Swansea are just ahead of that in fourth. They have lost just once at home in the league all season - talk about making your home ground a fortress - and in general are in fine form with only five league losses.

They were beaten by Huddersfield Town last weekend with a midfield performance described as "sluggish" but now is not the time for complacency to begin creeping in.

If there's one man key to a team though, it is Korey Smith. The former City midfielder has recently returned to the first team after recovering from a quad injury. He came off the bench in Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Coventry City and will be vying to start against his former club where he won a league and cup double in 2015.

The two teams drew 1-1 back at Ashton Gate with Wells' penalty cancelling out an earlier Jamal Lewis goal. A point against a side flying high in the Championship wouldn't be a bad start to life under Pearson but no doubt he'll want City to pick up where they left off and make his mark.

MATCH DETAILS 

Where: Liberty Stadium
When: Saturday, February 27th, 3pm KO
Competition: Sky Bet Championship

Referee: Keith Stroud
Assistants: Jonathan Hunt and Sam Lewis
Fourth official: Scott Tallis