Could final game be decider?
THE job’s obviously not yet done, but Swansea City are edging closer to a second consecutive top-six finish under Steve Cooper.
After a recent run of four defeats on the spin, the Swans have responded brilliantly with victories over Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday, banishing previous wobbles to further cement their place in the play-off mix.
It would take something of a monumental collapse for Swansea to drop out of the top-six reckoning, but things can change very quickly in this division.
Nevertheless, there’s a general acceptance that Swansea’s previous stumbles mean that hopes of securing an automatic spot are essentially over, and it would admittedly take a monumental effort for the Swans to catch Waford in second place.
The Hornets are currently seven points clear of Cooper’s men heading into the final five games of the season, and are in sensational form.
Watford have won seven out of their last eight games heading into their local derby with Luton Town this weekend, and may well only need two more wins to confirm their return to the Premier League depending on results elsewhere.
It’s farfetched, admittedly, but could Swansea realistically catch them?
The Swans will surely need to win all of their remaining games if they are to stand any chance, and will require some big slip-ups from the Hornets along the way.
Swansea will certainly fancy themselves against bottom-of-the-table Wycombe
Wanderers today, but the gap is, if we’re honest, unlikely to shorten just yet, with Watford surely favourites against the Hatters.
Looking ahead to the next round of fixtures, Swansea host QPR, a tricky but winnable game, while Watford go to Norwich City, who could well have sealed promotion by that point.
Norwich’s players may well be on the beach by that point as a result, but if the Hornets are going to slip up anywhere then Carrow Road is as good a bet as any.
Should Swansea record a positive result against QPR, the gap is then down to four points.
The Swans then travel down the M4 to take on Reading in their next game, which on paper at least, seems a tough assignment.
The Royals are obviously aiming for a play-offs berth, but have seen their form stutter of late. They’ve also not beaten the Swans in nearly 13 years, with Swansea winning 4-1 in each of their last two trips to Berkshire.
One suspects Watford will likely triumph over Millwall, which means the gap would remain at four points with two games to go.
Swansea have struggling Derby County at the Liberty Stadium up next, a game that on paper they should surely win. However, the 2-0 defeat at Pride Park earlier in the season might well play on the minds a little bit, and will be a timely reminder that nothing can be taken for granted.
Nevertheless, you’d suspect Swansea will be favourites.
Meanwhile, Watford travel to Brentford, who depending on results may actually be in the picture themselves given they are currently two points behind the Swans with a game in hand.
Indeed, Swansea may well need a favour from bitter rivals Cardiff City to keep the Bees out of the picture.
Again, if we’re on the look out for potential slip-ups from Watford, this is one that stands out.
Should that transpire, the gap will one point heading into the final day.
Oh, and it just happens to be Watford v Swansea...
Unlikely? Yes. Possible? Absolutely. Watford final five fixtures Luton Town (A) - Saturday, April 17 Norwich City (A) - Tuesday, April 20 Millwall (H) - Saturday, April 24 Brentford (A) - Saturday, May 1 Swansea City (H) - Saturday, May 8 Swansea final five fixtures Wycombe Wanderers (H) Saturday, April 17 QPR (H) - Tuesday, April 20 Reading (A) - Sunday, April 25 Derby (H) - Saturday, May 1 Watford (A) - Saturday, May 8