Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City manager takes his team into a crucial period of the league season this evening with the first of three games in a week.
Tonight’s home fixture against Preston will be followed by road trips to Southampton (Saturday) and QPR (Tuesday) – three games that could very much shape their destiny for the rest of the season.
Ten unbeaten league games behind them – they are unbeaten since Birmingham won at the Liberty back in November – and talk is once again of the play offs with the football at it’s top level and the team seemingly unbeatable at the moment.
That belief was extended on Saturday with the ease of victory against FA Cup holders Portsmouth and with a home draw against Fulham there is hope in Swansea that they could be heading to the quarter finals of the competition for the first time in over 40 years.
But Roberto knows that is not going to be a distraction for his players although he concedes that Preston’s form is good at the moment which will present its own challenge to the Swans.
“I don’t think it will be a problem getting the players focused after Portsmouth because they are a very level-headed group,
“They know the standards have to be maintained if we are to get anything against Preston.
“It’s probably the worst time to play them because they are in great form,” Martinez added.
“They have got some fantastic results recently and they have also had a weekend off, so they will be very fresh.”
Victory over Preston will seal a league double for the Swans – they triumphed 2-0 at Deepdale back in September thanks to a wonder goal from Ferrie Bodde which set them on their way.
