Swansea City

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Swansea City ought to be heading into Saturday's game against Burnley with their unbeaten record under Alan Sheehan still intact.

They controlled enough of Wednesday's narrow defeat at Watford to take something from the contest.

The fact Swansea ended up with nothing was thanks largely to the same lack of firepower which has been an issue all season – plus Watford's bizarre winner.

Goncalo Franco has been one of Swansea's standout performers since arriving from Portugal last summer, but it was his almost inexplicable pass to Tom Ince – who he seemingly thought was a team-mate – which allowed the Watford winger to lay on Moussa Sissoko's decisive goal.

It was the sort of error which could sting for a while, so Franco – like his team-mates – will probably be pleased that Burnley's visit is only a couple of days away.

Burnley, who are third in the Championship, will also be keen to put midweek frustration to one side, with the gap to second-placed Sheffield United standing at two points after Tuesday's home draw with West Bromwich Albion.

John Swift's free-kick for the Baggies means Burnley have conceded two goals in their past three league matches, which almost represents a flurry given their astonishing defensive record this season.

In 37 second-tier games Burnley have conceded only 11 goals.

It goes without saying, therefore, that Swansea will need to find some inspiration in the final third if they are to trouble Connor Roberts and Co in the Clarets' defence.

At Watford, Swansea gave themselves plenty of opportunities to attack and managed more efforts on goal than the home side, yet Hornets keeper Egil Selvik was required to make only one meaningful save.

For all the positivity surrounding Sheehan's spell in charge – which may or may not be ending this weekend – Swansea have scored only one goal in three matches since the Irishman's opening win against Blackburn Rovers.

It could have been a different story if there was more attacking talent in Sheehan's squad.

In that sense, Swansea's caretaker boss is facing the same issue as the man he replaced, Luke Williams.

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Alan Sheehan felt Swansea City were unlucky to see their unbeaten run come to end as they went down 1-0 at Watford.

Swansea produced a spirited display at Vicarage Road but were undone by a Goncalo Franco error as well as their own lack of quality in the final third.

Franco seemingly confused Tom Ince with one of his own team-mates as he passed the ball to the veteran Watford winger, who was left with the simple task of laying on Moussa Sissoko's first-half winner.

Swansea had plenty of good moments – and put the pressure on Watford as the contest wore on – but saw their three-game stretch without defeat come to an end.

"I think the overall feeling is disappointment that we didn't keep that unbeaten run going because we probably deserved to," Swansea's caretaker boss said.

"But that's the Championship - never too up, never too down. If you think you are going to go a season unbeaten, you are going to be let down."

Defeat was Swansea's first since Sheehan took charge following the departure of Luke Williams last month.

Sissoko's winner was also the first goal Swansea have conceded since Sheehan took the reins.

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"Especially second half there was only one team with impetus," the Irishman added.

"In terms of application, desire, going to the very last minute, that's pleasing. But we lacked a small bit of quality tonight."

Sheehan will take charge of Swansea again when they host Burnley in their final game before the international break this weekend – but who will be in charge beyond that game remains uncertain.

Sheehan is interested in becoming Swansea's permanent boss but has maintained that he is not guaranteed to take the job even if it is offered to him.

Director of football Richard Montague is leading the search for Williams' permanent successor, with Swansea believed to be considering candidates at home and abroad.

Sheehan is due to meet Montague for talks about the futute early next week.

"I will sit down with Richard and we'll have a chat and see what route the football club wants to go down and see if it matches up," he said.

"Either way I think it's important for the football club to appoint the right person to move this club forward. Hopefully this time next week here's a new manager and the right manager in place to move the club forward."

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Alan Sheehan hopes Swansea City will send the locals home unhappy at Watford on Wednesday (19:45 GMT), but has played down the idea that Hornets fans will be frosty before the game even starts.

Sheehan is a former captain of Watford's arch rivals Luton Town, where he played more than 130 games and won two promotions as a player and later worked as a coach.

But Swansea's caretaker boss has laughed off the suggestion that he will face flak from the home supporters when he steps out into the away dugout at Vicarage Road.

"I have not really been there that often," Sheehan said. "They probably don't know who I am."

Swansea will aim to make it four games unbeaten since the departure of Luke Williams as they take on a Watford side who are in the mix for a Championship play-off place.

Tom Cleverley's team are 12th in the table - five points and four places better off than Swansea – heading into the final 10 games of the season.

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But if they are to close the six-point gap to the top six, Watford may need another spectacular shift in form on their own ground.

Having gone unbeaten in their first 11 home games this season, Watford have slumped to six defeats in their past seven home league fixtures.

Despite the recent record, Sheehan is expecting a stern challenge given that only three clubs have won more home matches than Watford in the second tier this season.

"They are a team who have got individuals, we all know who they are, who can hurt you," he said.

"But we've got to go there and be competitive and put our own stamp on the game.

"I think we have been [doing that] and it's another challenge for us that we're looking forward to. We'll respect the opposition, be aware not afraid as I always say, and we'll be well prepared for the challenge ahead."

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Alan Sheehan says he will wait and see what the future holds for Myles Peart-Harris after the attacking midfielder's return to Brentford.

Peart-Harris is on loan at Swansea City until the end of the season, but seems unlikely to play again in 2024-25 because of the back injury he suffered at Preston North End last week.

The 22-year-old is under contract at Brentford until 2026 after the Premier League club triggered a one-year extension option in his deal in January.

Peart-Harris, who scored three times in 30 Swansea games, has made eight substitute appearances for the Bees' first team, including three in the top flight in December 2023.

When asked whether there is any possibility of former Chelsea youngster Peart-Harris returning to Swansea after this season ends, caretaker boss Sheehan said: "Let's just see what happens.

"Myles did really well here. I think he evolved his game and he's going back to Brentford a better player.

"He has played a good number of games, he has got good goals and outcomes in the Championship and shown that he is more than capable of playing at this level.

"I think that's a pleasing aspect for both clubs. That's the good thing about loans, that both clubs are benefiting."

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Alan Sheehan insists Swansea City will not stand still as they look to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches at Watford on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).

Swansea are yet to lose – or concede a goal – since Sheehan took the reins following last month's departure of head coach Luke Williams.

They have taken seven points from three games, beating play-off contenders Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough at home and battling to a draw at Preston North End, to ease the club's relegation concerns.

Caretaker boss Sheehan will remain in charge for Watford and Saturday's home fixture against Burnley before a decision on his future is made next week.

When asked whether Swansea have the capability to come through his five-game interim spell unbeaten, Sheehan said: "It's a good question, can we? The only way we can answer that is on the pitch.

"The only way players get to speak, staff get to speak, people like me get to speak, with substance is when things are done properly on the football pitch.

"I think for this five-game block, from where we were, we have got the points right now, but I never think about standing still.

"We want to go and be competitive in every game and it's up to us to find the way to do that."

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Swansea are not yet guaranteed to be a Championship club next season, but their upturn in form means the gap to the bottom three is now 12 points.

They are six short of the second tier's traditional 50-point safety mark with 10 fixtures remaining this season.

"I think we all have to be pleased as a football club that there have been changes and we've found a positive way to navigate our way through the last few games," Sheehan added.

"We were in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle with an incredibly difficult run coming up.

"So I think we all have to be positive and appreciate all the work that has been done at the football club, and appreciate the efforts of the players and how we are doing things at the moment."

Watford's defeat by Millwall on Saturday ended a three-match unbeaten run and they are six points off the play-off places as they prepare to host Swansea City on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).

The Swans are on their own three-game streak without defeat which has included wins over Blackburn and Middlesbrough.

• Watford have won just two of their past eight league games against Swansea City (D1 L5), scoring more than one goal in just one of those matches.

• Swansea City have lost just one of their past four away league games against Watford (D1 L2), a 2-0 defeat in May 2021.

• Watford are winless in their past four midweek league games (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), losing three of them (D1).

• Swansea have kept a clean sheet in two of their past three away league games (W1 D1 L1), as many as in their previous 22 league matches on the road (W6 D5 L11).

• Swansea are winless in their past four midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games (D1 L3), this after winning four in a row immediately beforehand.

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Myles Peart-Harris has said farewell and thanks to Swansea City after returning to parent-club Brentford because of a back injury.

Peart-Harris has made 30 appearances – including 18 Championship starts – and scored three goals since joining Swansea on loan for the season last August.

But the 22-year-old looks to have played his final game for the Welsh club after getting injured during the draw at Preston North End last week.

Writing on social media, Peart-Harris said this was not the end to his Swansea spell he hoped for "but this is football".

"I've loved every moment of being a part your family and can't thank everybody enough for playing huge parts in my development," he wrote.

"It's a special club with special people inside and out. Best wishes for the future and lots of love."

Peart-Harris is under contract at Brentford until the summer of 2026.

Swansea caretaker boss Alan Sheehan says the player could return to Wales at the back-end of the season if there is any prospect of him regaining fitness, but that looks unlikely.

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Hannes Delcroix is on standby for a recall when Swansea City go to Watford on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) amid doubts over the fitness of Harry Darling.

Centre-back Darling was forced off in the second half of Saturday's win over Middlesbrough with a hip problem.

On-loan Burnley defender Delcroix played the final 27 minutes of the Boro win and may now be in line for his first start under caretaker boss Alan Sheehan at Vicarage Road.

Sheehan says Swansea will continue to assess Darling before Watford as "there is something in his hip".

"[We are] not sure for the game potentially but let's wait and see," he added.

"It's disappointing to lose any player, but we have to be adaptable. Sometimes we can get bogged down on what we don't have, but I prefer to look at it the other way. Hannes came in and did a good job.

"Whatever happens we'll pick a team that we think is suitable for Watford."

If Darling does not feature at Watford, Swansea will be left hoping he can play a part when Burnley visit south Wales on Saturday given that Delcroix will be unable to face his parent club.

Sheehan says Swansea have no other fresh injury concerns following the Middlesbrough triumph.

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Alan Sheehan was delighted to see Eom Ji-Sung "make the headlines" after the South Korean international's first Swansea City goal sealed victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Eom has shown glimpses of quality since joining Swansea from Gwangju FC last summer.

But the 22-year-old had to wait until his 30th Swansea appearance to score his first goal in English football.

Sheehan had insisted before Middlesbrough's visit that Eom's moment would come – and he duly delivered with a sparkling finish from outside the area.

"The challenge for these players is we want to add outcomes - goals and assists, big moments," Swansea's caretaker boss said.

"Sometimes in the box-to-box stuff, you can do wonderful flashes - and Eom has got wonderful flashes of individual quality.

"But then it's kind of, can you make the headlines? Because we are relying on certain moments to go in our favour and we need the big moments from the attacking players, and that was a big moment from him.

"We're all really delighted for him. You can see how happy he was. These are the moments that make you so pleased."

Eom was picked for his first start under Sheehan as a replacement for Myles Peart-Harris, who looks to have played his last game for Swansea because of a back injury.

But he can expect to keep his shirt when Swansea return to action at Watford on Wednesday.

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Alan Sheehan said he was "flattered" by support he received from Swansea City's fans after Saturday's impressive victory over Middlesbrough.

The Boro triumph means Sheehan has claimed seven points in three games since taking the reins following the departure of Luke Williams last month.

As the caretaker boss celebrated victory in front of the Swansea.com Stadium's East Stand, a section of supporters chanted "Alan Sheehan, we want you to stay".

Sheehan is in charge for two more games as things stand, at Watford next Wednesday and at home to Burnley next weekend.

The Championship club are due to give a further update on their managerial situation during the international break which comes after the Clarets visit.

When asked about the fans' chant, Sheehan said: "It is flattering and I am very appreciative of their affection towards me.

"I appreciate their support and I just love how much the players gave to make them happy.

"Sometimes you get the praise for it, but these players are giving everything so I'm delighted to have that chemistry.

"They've been excellent and we've given them back-to-back home wins."

Sheehan, an assistant coach under Williams and predecessor Michael Duff, has said he wants to become a manager in his own right.

But he insisted after Boro that even if he is offered a permanent role at Swansea, he could say no if the conditions are not right.

"Like I said, I'll have a conversation at the end of these two games," Sheehan added.

"And it's not. Do you want the job? Oh, yes, please. It won't work like that.

"What is the plan? Where do we want to get to and how do we want to get to it? How do you want to do things?

"There's so many different aspects. I've been in this position where opportunities have been presented my way, but I want to win, I want to be successful."

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Eom Ji-Sung could win a Swansea City recall against Middlesbrough this afternoon (15:00 GMT) with Alan Sheehan confident the South Korea international's "wow factor" will see him make a mark in the Championship.

Eom has played 29 times for Swansea since joining the Welsh club from South Korean side Gwangju last summer.

The 22-year-old, who was recruited as a number 10 but has played most of his football at Swansea out wide, has given glimpses of his quality on the ball.

However, Eom is yet to score in Swans colours and has only one assist to his name so far this season.

"He is still transitioning to the Championship, which is far more physical than the league he played in - he has said that himself," said Swansea caretaker boss Sheehan.

"He has so much talent. He has that wow factor that we have all seen this season. I think we have seen some wonderful flashes.

"Now we need to get to a position where he is getting outcomes. He is still young and will keep getting better."

Eom will hope to return to Swansea's starting side against Boro after coming off the bench in the first half during Tuesday's goalless draw at Preston.

Eom replaced the more physically imposing Myles Peart-Harris, who impressed in the win over Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago but was forced off with a back injury.

There are other options for Sheehan, who could also call on Ollie Cooper, Josh Ginnelly or youngster Sam Parker.

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Alan Sheehan has backed Ben Cabango to flourish as Swansea City's club captain.

Wales international Cabango was handed the armband after Matt Grimes' January move to Coventry City.

Academy product Cabango, 24, has skippered Swansea at every level since joining the club as a 14-year-old.

And caretaker boss Sheehan believes Swansea are in safe hands with Cabango leading the dressing room.

"Sometimes we judge captains on certain aspects, but they are all different and they can lead in different ways," he said.

"Ben has transitioned into it really well and I have such high hopes for him as captain of this club.

"He is a rock and a wonderful player, a wonderful person who is great to work with. He has been throughout my time here.

"I have all the respect for him. I think he will be a wonderful captain for this club."

Cabango will go in search of a third win in seven games since taking over as skipper when Swansea host Middlesbrough on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

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Swansea City host Middlesbrough on Saturday (15:00 GMT) with Alan Sheehan hoping to maintain his solid record as the club's caretaker boss.

Sheehan has led a Swansea side who had been in miserable form to a win and a draw – and two clean sheets – in their first two games since the departure of Luke Williams.

The Irishman is in his second spell in caretaker charge, having taken 11 points from seven Swansea games before Williams was appointed in January 2024.

Sheehan will remain at the helm for at least three more games – Boro's visit, the trip to Watford next Wednesday and the home fixture with high-flying Burnley on Saturday, 15 March.

Asked whether he needs to deliver results in those matches to convince Swansea that he is the man to lead the club on a long-term basis, Sheehan said: "I don't know, you will have to speak to the ownership.

"I think our points to game [ratio] is quite strong at the moment, so let's just keep in that positive equity, if you want to say that.

"We want to go into every game and be as positive as possible.

"The place feels good at the moment after the two results and we need to keep building that level of consistency and foundations."

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After a rousing win over Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago, Sheehan's Swansea will aim to take the scalp of another side in play-off contention as they face Middlesbrough.

The Teessiders suffered six defeats in seven league games in a dreadful run which led to speculation about the future of boss Michael Carrick (pictured above), but have bounced back to form with victories over relegation strugglers Stoke and Derby.

"They are a team with an enormous amount of quality who have been building their squad for a long time now," Sheehan said.

"They had a sticky spell, but they look like they have found their mojo so we are expecting a very difficult challenge with a lot of individuals that can hurt you.

"We have to find a way to be the best version of ourselves and really attack it as a team."

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Hibernian head coach David Gray has said he is "fully committed" to the Scottish Premiership club having been touted as a contender to take over at Swansea City.

Swansea are assessing managerial options at home and abroad following last month's departure of Luke Williams.

Caretaker boss Alan Sheehan will lead Swansea against Middlesbrough on Saturday and in their games against Watford and Burnley next week.

It is not known at this stage who will be in charge after those three games.

There have been reports that Gray, 36, is under consideration at Swansea having sparked an upturn in fortunes at Hibs after a poor start to the season, though sources at the Welsh club have played down the links.

For his part, Gray says his only focus is on his side's game at Celtic this weekend.

"I'm fully committed to what I'm doing here and I'm 100% behind what we're trying to do here moving forward," he told BBC Sport Scotland.

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Swansea City are keeping fingers crossed that Myles Peart-Harris will make a rapid return to action despite coming off at Preston North End with a back injury.

Peart-Harris has been sent for a scan having been forced off before half-time at Deepdale on Tuesday.

The on-loan Brentford player, 22, has scored three goals in 30 Swansea appearances this season, with his most recent strike coming in the 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers 12 days ago.

Caretaker boss Alan Sheehan says Swansea are "quietly hopeful" that Peart-Harris will be available for Saturday's home game against Middlesbrough.

"We are hoping it's not too serious because he gives us something slightly different to other players in the squad," Sheehan said.

"It's disappointing because he gives us something different physically and attacking-wise. So whoever comes in and fills that spot [if Peart-Harris misses out], we'll have to work differently."

Eom Ji-Sung replaced Peart-Harris at Preston and would be favourite to start should he be unavailable this weekend.

Swansea could also deploy Ollie Cooper or Florian Bianchini out wide, or draft in Josh Ginnelly or Sam Parker after they were omitted from the squad in midweek.

Middlesbrough will look to retain their good form from their previous two matches as they cross the border to visit Swansea City on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

A run of five consecutive losses saw Boro out of the top 10, but wins over Derby County and Stoke City now see them back on track with a play off spot just two points away.

While the Swans held their nerve against Preston North End last time out to go 10 points clear of relegation.

• Swansea City have failed to win any of their last seven league games against Middlesbrough (D1 L6), since a 2-1 win in March 2021.

• Middlesbrough have won each of their last five league games against Swansea City, as many victories as across their prior 16 matches against the Swans (D4 L7).

• Swansea City won 3-0 against Blackburn at Liberty Stadium in their last home game. They haven't won consecutive home league games without conceding since April 2024.

• Middlesbrough have won their last two Championship matches, having lost five in a row beforehand. They are looking for three consecutive wins for the first time since November 2024.

• Finn Azaz has created 2.4 chances per 90 minutes in the Championship for Middlesbrough this season. Among players to play 2,000+ minutes in a Championship season for Boro, that is the best ratio since Grant Leadbitter in 2014-15 (2.6 per 90).

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales

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The ultimate goal for Alan Sheehan is to become a manager in his own right, whether that is at Swansea City or elsewhere.

His short-term target is to ensure that whoever is in charge at Swansea come the summer is preparing for another season in the Championship.

Swansea edged a little closer to guaranteeing survival on Tuesday night, with a battling draw at Preston North End ensuring the Welsh side are 10 points clear of the relegation places with 11 league games remaining this season.

The performance at Preston was not particularly convincing, but the result was a plus.

Swansea have another point on the board - making it an impressive four from two games under caretaker boss Sheehan - and have maintained momentum heading into Saturday's home game against Middlesbrough.

Having bemoaned the "difficult" conditions at Preston, Sheehan will look forward to returning to the Swansea.com Stadium, scene of a thumping win over Blackburn Rovers in his first game in charge 11 days ago.

Swansea outplayed a high-flying Rovers side, with their energy and desire producing plenty of forward momentum and three goals.

It looked in the early stages at Preston as if Sheehan's Swansea might once again be the dominant attacking force, only for the home side to seize control of the contest before finishing up frustrated that they had not won.

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Aside from the point gained, the big positive for Swansea was that they registered a second successive clean sheet for the first time since April 2024.

The commitment to the cause shown by Sheehan's players – which, in fairness, was rarely questioned even in the painful latter days of Luke Williams' reign – and some wayward Preston finishing combined to ensure Swansea held on for the shutout.

More of the same would be welcome in the weeks ahead as Swansea look to end what has turned into another arduous season by avoiding relegation with something to spare, just as they did last spring.

Sheehan, who is in caretaker charge for at least three more games, does not have an easy task. Like Williams before him, he is working with a squad which lacks depth and quality in certain areas.

But if Sheehan is to convince Swansea's hierarchy that he should be offered a long-term contract, his team may need to play with more fluency and control - at times at least - than they did at Deepdale.

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Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom reckons Swansea City look a side more concerned with high energy than high possession following the departure of Luke Williams.

Preston were left frustrated after creating the better chances in Tuesday's goalless draw with Swansea at Deepdale.

Swansea controlled the contest in the first 25 minutes, but then relied on a battling defensive performance – and some wayward Preston finishing – to hold on for a point.

Caretaker Swans boss Alan Sheehan said the pitch at Preston made it "very difficult" for his team to play possession football.

"When we tried to pass the ball, it takes three touches instead of two in the conditions out there," the Irishman added.

But having watched Swansea in the flesh – and analysed their win over Blackburn Rovers in Sheehan's first game in charge – Heckingbottom felt there was a pattern in their style of play.

"We knew watching Swansea's game [against Blackburn] their approach - high energy," the former Sheffield United boss said.

"That's the big difference in them – pass the ball less and high energy."

Heckingbottom felt Preston's failure to be clinical in front of goal cost them a second successive win, following their impressive FA Cup triumph over Burnley last Saturday.

"Swansea had 10 days [between games] and we were off the back of a big game at the weekend," he added.

"So we had to make sure we guarded against it being a flat performance from us.

"We should have won the game. We created more than enough. If you ask our front players, if they had those chances again, they'd take them on another day."