by Callum Ellis
SWANSEA City and Cardiff City renew their rivalry when they meet in the first south Wales derby of the season on Sunday.
Neil Warnock’s men, who are in search of their first away win of the season, make the short trip down the M4 for the first meeting between the two clubs in five years.
Swansea, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat against Brentford on Tuesday evening.
And supporters of both clubs have had their say on Twitter ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
It promises to be an eventful day of Welsh sport, with Wales going head-to-head with South Africa for a place in their first World Cup final before proceedings get underway at the Liberty Stadium.
Warnock will be without winger Junior Hoilett who hobbled off during the Bluebirds’ 2-2 draw with Millwall on Tuesday.
The Canada international netted at the Den before being substituted due to a hamstring strain and his absence will serve as a blow for away side.
“This is a big boost,” said Swans fan Guto Llewelyn of Hoilett’s injury.
This is a big boost. Hoilett can both create and score out of nowhere, probably Cardiff's best attacking player. His absence not only decreases their goal threat, it could affect the quality of crosses into their giants. https://t.co/1GvIKvt0ux
— Guto Llewelyn (@GutoLlewelyn) October 25, 2019
Despite Hoilett’s absence, a fellow Swans fan believes Cooper’s men must be aware of Cardiff’s fellow wide-men Josh Murphy and Gavin Whyte.
Good player, Murphy and Whyte decent too. Naughton and Roberts have to play.
— Mark G (@jackjiffy) October 25, 2019
Cardiff were twice pegged pack on Tuesday as a brace from Wales striker Tom Bradshaw ensured Warnock’s men were denied their first away win.
But Bluebirds supporter Scott Johnson was satisfied with his side’s performance and would be pleased for the Yorkshireman to opt for the same team agains the Swans, with the exception of Hoilett.
Plenty seem to think that radical changes are needed, again, for Sunday’s derby. I don’t think Cardiff did a lot wrong at Millwall and that side showed potential, so I would be happy enough if they remained unchanged, niggles permitting
— Scott Johnson (@roathboy) October 24, 2019
It is highly unlikely that Warnock will throw in the experienced Sol Bamba, who has endured a lengthy lay-off after suffering a knee ligament injury, for the derby.
Liam Hobbs, however, believes the centre-half partnership between captain Sean Morrison and summer addition hasn’t taken off – and he would risk Bamba at the Liberty.
After his 90 mins for the under 23’s on Monday do you think it’s worth the risk of playing bamba in the derby? Personally I do as the flint/Morrison partnership doesn’t seem to be working
— Liam Hobbs (@liamhobbs87) October 23, 2019
Swansea supporter Jordan Webber has offered his take on who should lead the line for the Swans.
Wayne Routledge starts Sunday for me, experienced head will help massively on the pitch in a derby. Ayew, Celina, Routledge with Borja up top.
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) October 24, 2019
While another suggests Sam Surridge, who was introduced against Brentford in place of Borja Baston, will be given the nod over the Spaniard.
I can see Surridge starting Sunday instead of BB.
— Martyn Norris (@SmartMart1978) October 24, 2019
Kick-off at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday is at midday.
