Before I begin, I should clarify from the title that I mean the statements to be two different ones, although many may argue that McLeish’s departure would, by it’s own definition, be the start of a brighter future for Aston Villa. Anyway, on to the game itself.

Following Monday’s capitulation to Spurs at White Hart Lane, Villa will be raring to go in an away fixture against promoted Swansea. As Villa are facing a series of tough fixtures following the trip to the Liberty Stadium, Swansea away must be seen as the most winnable of the coming fixtures.

Swansea, however, are unlikely to go quietly with Brendan Rodgers’ team likely to continue their expansive and creative brand of football. Depending on whether Alex McLeish decides to change things around as has been suggested, the match may play out as a game of opposites.

Rodgers’ Swansea, for reasons stated in other previous articles, have little to lose in their first season in the Premier League. Like all other teams who are promoted, they are already favourites to go down. In such a predetermined judgment, Rodgers is likely free from expectation and will, as Roberto Martinez did when he was in charge, ensure Swansea continue their commitment to stylish football.

For McLeish, on whom the pressure is significantly higher, change is expected. Whilst McLeish spent his career as a solid defender, his Villa team have failed to defend cohesively, despite their obvious setup as a defensive unit.

Thus McLeish faces an internal struggle – continue to play defensively due to his fixation with his tactic, or play in a more attractive manner. For Villa fans, it seems likely that they will settle for nothing less than a strong effort, backed by attacking football. After all, if Villa can’t beat a promoted side, surely that has bad signs for the more difficult fixtures that are on the horizon.

Team News

Joe Allen is set to return to the Swansea line-up for Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa. Allen, a Wales international, has won plaudits for his superb form so far this term, but only made the bench in the last game out against Manchester United. However, following the resolution of a calf problem, he is likely to return to the team at the Liberty Stadium. Defender Steven Caulker has recently returned to training following a knee injury, he is unlikely to be involved.

On-loan midfielder Jermaine Jenas will return to the Aston Villa squad for Sunday’s Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium. Jenas was ineligible to face his parent club Tottenham in Villa’s last match. Skipper Stiliyan Petrov (hamstring) and fellow midfielder Chris Herd (leg) are battling to be fit.

Statistics

Swansea and Aston Villa last met in May 1983 when the Welsh side won a top flight home game 2-1 against the Villans.

Swansea have only won three of the 17 matches against Aston Villa in all competitions, with none ending as a draw.

Swansea have conceded 94 fouls this season, fewer than any other team in the Premier League.

Swansea have conceded just two goals on home soil, fewer than any other team in the top flight. One of those was an own goal.

Defeat by Manchester United ended a run of 13 successive home games without a loss in league competition for Swansea (W9 D4).

Aston Villa have dropped nine points from winning positions this season (the joint-most along with Blackburn).

Only Stoke (34%) have a worse shooting accuracy than Aston Villa this season (36%).

Stylian Petrov has made more interceptions (45) than any other player in the Premier League.

Aston Villa have blocked more opposition shots than any other team (60).

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