Swansea manager Kenny Jackett today declared that he is not bothered who his team comes up against at the moment as his side look to continue their fantastic recent form. However, this weekend sees the Swans embark on a tricky trip to pre-season favourites Chester City, who after a somewhat dodgy start, have found themselves rejuvenated under new manager Ian Rush. So will ex-Welsh hero Rush's side finally end Swansea's record or can Jackett's barmy army continue to march on?
The season hardly began ideally for last season's Conference champions, who suffered the loss of manager Mark Wright just hours before the opening day kick-off. In the weeks that ensued, Wright became entangled in a bitter war of words with the Chester board, that coupled with the side's performances on the pitch, meant August was more like a nightmare for the Deva Stadium faithful. Just two points from the club's opening six fixtures and a record of three goals scored and thirteen conceded, meant that Chester propped up the football league after their first month back.
The appointment of Ian Rush as the club's new manager appeared to change the mood at the Deva Stadium and affected his side's on-pitch fortunes in the right way. Chester followed up victories over high-flying Macclesfield and Scunthorpe, with credible draws against Cambridge and Lincoln before recording a shock 2-1 win over League One giants Sheffield Wednesday in the LDV Vans Trophy. Therefore, Rush remains unbeaten so far in the Chester hotseat and Saturday's clash could prove a very interesting one.
There is certainly no shortage of talent in the Chester ranks, with ex-Everton starlet Michael Branch signing for an undisclosed fee from Bradford in the summer. Daryl Clare has also returned to the Football League after past success in promotion with Boston United, while Chester also have ex-Swans target Richard Hope in their squad, after signing the defender on a free transfer from York in the summer. Midfielder Kevin Ellison remains Chester's top scorer with three goals, including the winner against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
On recent form, this fixture could prove very close, with perhaps one goal making all the difference. Chester certainly have the quality to force a Swansea slip-up, but the visitors' confidence will be high and Jackett will probably be hoping for yet another three points.
The good news for Swansea is that a number of Chester's top players may be missing following recent injuries, including Branch, Clare, Cortez Belle and Andy Watson, while Kevin Ellison serves a one match ban.
Kenny Jackett is expected to welcome the return of Lee Trundle after the striker missed the midweek victory over Luton with a minor injury, but Paul Connor, Izzy Iriekpen and Kevin Nugent have all been virtually ruled out. This could mean a first league start for loanee Scott Fitzgerald as Swansea remain short of available strikers.
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The appointment of Ian Rush as the club's new manager appeared to change the mood at the Deva Stadium and affected his side's on-pitch fortunes in the right way. Chester followed up victories over high-flying Macclesfield and Scunthorpe, with credible draws against Cambridge and Lincoln before recording a shock 2-1 win over League One giants Sheffield Wednesday in the LDV Vans Trophy. Therefore, Rush remains unbeaten so far in the Chester hotseat and Saturday's clash could prove a very interesting one.
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There is certainly no shortage of talent in the Chester ranks, with ex-Everton starlet Michael Branch signing for an undisclosed fee from Bradford in the summer. Daryl Clare has also returned to the Football League after past success in promotion with Boston United, while Chester also have ex-Swans target Richard Hope in their squad, after signing the defender on a free transfer from York in the summer. Midfielder Kevin Ellison remains Chester's top scorer with three goals, including the winner against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
On recent form, this fixture could prove very close, with perhaps one goal making all the difference. Chester certainly have the quality to force a Swansea slip-up, but the visitors' confidence will be high and Jackett will probably be hoping for yet another three points.
The good news for Swansea is that a number of Chester's top players may be missing following recent injuries, including Branch, Clare, Cortez Belle and Andy Watson, while Kevin Ellison serves a one match ban.
Kenny Jackett is expected to welcome the return of Lee Trundle after the striker missed the midweek victory over Luton with a minor injury, but Paul Connor, Izzy Iriekpen and Kevin Nugent have all been virtually ruled out. This could mean a first league start for loanee Scott Fitzgerald as Swansea remain short of available strikers.
So can Swansea continue their fantastic recent form and put pressure on league leaders Yeovil, or will Chester prove one hurdle too many? Swans MAD will have a full match report and all the stats that matter following the final whistle...you'd be MAD to miss it!!