Swansea boss Bob Bradley says Middlesbrough clash has added importance
Friday 16 December 2016 16:33, UK
Bob Bradley hopes his Swansea side can put the disappointing midweek loss to West Brom behind them when they visit fellow Premier League strugglers Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Swansea head to the Riverside Stadium on the back of a 3-1 defeat at West Brom, and have collected just one point from seven away league matches since an opening weekend victory over Burnley.
Currently lying 18th in the table, one place below Middlesbrough, Swansea's final game before Christmas is a crucial encounter, according to boss Bradley.
"You look at the table, and games against teams that are closer to you do take on more importance," he said.
"But I think we can all agree that every game is massive for us right now. We understand that the start to the season we have had, and the league position we are in, make it extra important every time we step on to the field.
"If we can put a little bit of a run together at some point, then all of a sudden we would be out of the bottom three.
"The disappointment of West Brom was that we were not able to build on our win against Sunderland, but now we have to try to start a good run again."
Middlesbrough were soundly beaten by Liverpool at the Riverside on Wednesday night but Bradley expects a tough examination from Aitor Karanka's men on Teeside this weekend.
"I have watched Middlesbrough a number of times," he added. "I think they are a good team and that Aitor Karanka has done a good job.
"I am very familiar with Alvaro Negredo, thanks to one of the friendly matches between the US and Spain, when he played very well.
"He is capable of being a real presence up front, and Middlesbrough have some good footballers in their team."
