This Week's Opposition: Swansea City

A closer look at Pompey's opponents at Fratton Park on New Year's Day.

Pompey ended a memorable 2024 with a display that left many bemused in Bristol.

John Mousinho believes his side will bounce back when they take on Swansea City at Fratton Park on New Year’s Day.

MANAGER

The Swans are managed by former Swindon Town and Notts County boss Luke Williams, who returned to the club to replace Michael Duff at the helm in January 2024.

Williams had previously fulfilled the role of Russell Martin’s assistant at Swansea before his departure in 2022.

Since returning as head coach, he has achieved a win percentage of 37.5 from 48 competitive games in charge.

ONE TO WATCH

Midfielder and captain Matt Grimes is our one to watch this time around.

The Swansea number 8 pulls the strings for his side from defensive midfield and has popped up with 2 goals and 1 assist this season, having featured in all 24 league fixtures played so far.

Grimes is now 29-years-of-age and has registered over 300 appearances for Swansea, for whom he’s been playing since signing from Exeter City in 2015.

TOP SCORER

25-year-old attacker Liam Cullen continues to lead in front of goal for Swansea.

The Welsh forward has so far managed 8 Championship goals from 21 appearances this season, as well as 1 in the Carabao Cup too. 1 of those league goals was the equalising one against Portsmouth at the Swansea.com Stadium back in November.

Cullen has bagged 8 goals in his last 10 appearances for club and country and wears the number 20 shirt for The Swans.

CURRENT FORM

Following an accumulation of 14 points from a possible 24 in their last 8 games, Swansea sit 9th in the Championship table.

Luke Williams’ side have 33 points on the board after 24 games and are just 4 points behind the Play-Off places.

The reverse of this fixture back in November saw the Blues surrender a 2 goal advantage to draw 2-2 in South Wales thanks to a late first half Connor Ogilvie own goal and a strike from top scorer Liam Cullen in the second.

Can John Mousinho’s side start the New Year better than they ended 2024?

Join the Pompey Live team on air from 2pm on New Year's Day (January 1st, 2025) for full coverage of the Championship meeting between Portsmouth and Swansea City at Fratton Park.

Kick-off: 3pm!