Swans boss Paulo Sousa has told his side to go out and end their Bramall Lane hoodoo tomorrow and put one foot in the play-offs.
The Swans travel to Sheffield United without an away win over the Blades in the League since 1939.
While there have been impressive cup triumphs in Sheffield since then, Paulo believes it's the perfect time to put the record straight.
"During this season we have already broken some records,'' explained Paulo. "Hopefully if we break one more at this stage of the season it will be very good for us.
"I don't feel pressure and the players don't feel pressure.
"From what I have seen, this season is a big development for everyone and we've achieved what nobody expected us to achieve, so why would we have pressure?
"We need to enjoy the moment because once more we depend on ourselves and if we achieve like I expect, we can get the three points we want.
"It will be difficult. They are a team that has a lot of intensity which always reflects the manager, the intensity he puts into the game.
"But we have good memories of the last game against them at the Liberty Stadium when we won 2-1.
"We need to show the same character, spirit, talent and quality as a team.''
With just two points separating the Swans in sixth and Blackpool in seventh, it's a game Swansea need to win ahead of the final fixture of the season at home to Doncaster on Sunday, May 2 (1pm).
And with Blackpool travelling to already-relegated Peterborough, is Paulo feeling the pressure? No chance.
"I don't feel pressure and my players don't feel pressure,'' said Paulo. "I have a lot of respect for Blackpool, but I keep thinking about ourselves.
"If we are at our best it is easier to get what we want. And what we want is to win every game. Winning these two games would be a fantastic achievement for us, to stay in the play-offs.
"We've achieved what nobody expected us to achieve this season, so why would we have pressure?
"We need to enjoy the moment because we depend on ourselves. If we achieve what I expect, we can get the three points we want.''
And the Swansea boss is refusing to let the speculation linking him first to Sporting Lisbon and then Hull City distract him.
With the silly season arriving early, Sousa declared: "The only thing I am focusing on is Saturday's game at Sheffield United.
"I will be focused 100 per cent, just like my players, and then we will think about our next opponents.''
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell (above) is expecting a bumper crowd at Bramall Lane after the club slashed ticket prices for their final home game.
And he wants to send them home happy.
"Swansea have got a lot to play for, but it is our last home game and we want to make sure that the fans go home happy," he said.
"I think it is only right that we prepare right and go out there and get the three points after what has been a tough season.
"I think Swansea have got two tough games left, but I'm not sure they will relish coming to our place.
"We want to make sure that our home record, which has been excellent all year, remains that way."
Blackwell has been cursing his luck this season after a spate of injuries has left him using 17 loanees and giving more than 20 players their debuts this term.
For Saturday, on-loan Paul Connolly has returned to parent club Derby, while Andy Taylor suffered ankle ligament damage in the Steel City derby and is sidelined for the rest of the season.
Connolly and Taylor's absences open the door for out-of-contract trio Derek Geary, Gary Naysmith and Jonathan Fortune.
Midfielder James Harper said: "It has been comical the amount of injuries we have had and the people we have had turn up on loan.
"There have been so many players coming in and out that it has been hard to get close and affiliate with new players.
"It is ridiculous having to use 35 to 37 players. I remember my first day at the club where there was only eight players training. We then had 30 players training at one point and then that fell to 12.
"With the turnaround in players, I think we have done well to be in the top half of the table and competing for a top-10 finish.
"But the fans have stuck with us and it would be nice to win against Swansea and send them home happy.''
 |
|
Listen to the game and watch pre- and post-match interviews on Swans Player |
The Blades have produced a 120-page programme for tomorrow's game to conclude the celebrations of the 120th year anniversary.
There are magic moments from the recent past and a fresh look back at the first 120 seasons of the club.
Club Historian Denis Clarebrough contributes his favourite teams from pre and post war, whilst a number of rarely seen photographs have been uncovered and are included.
In addition, there's all the usual favourite features, plus exclusive interviews with former Wales captain Gary Speed, Chris Morgan and Stephen Quinn, as well as Kevin Blackwell's column.
The cost is £4 and is available from The Blades Superstore, all the usual outlets and around the ground before the game.
