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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

The QPR lesson Swansea City learned after Stoke City defeat as Bristol City selection hint emerges

Swansea City's intensity levels were as low as they have been this season during the 3-0 loss to Stoke City.

The Swans were outplayed throughout the contest in Staffordshire on Tuesday night as they deservedly lost against Michael O'Neill's side.

However, with an additional day to recover from that grim night at the bet365 Stadium ahead of Sunday's clash against Bristol City, Swansea are hoping their trip to St George's Park will further aid their chances of producing a far more energetic display against the Robins.

The squad and coaching staff travelled straight from Stoke to the English Football Association's plush training complex in Burton upon Trent after the defeat to the Potters.

And after using the facilities on offer at the state-of-the-art venue, head coach Russell Martin believes Swansea are far better equipped to ensure they do not repeat their Stoke horror show.

"It meant we weren't back at around three or four in the morning, something we learned after the QPR game," he said.

"The lads really struggled to get going at the start of the Hull City game because lads missed out on a large amount of sleep, and it just affects the next few days.

"The players were in bed by about 11:30 at St George's Park and it makes a big difference to recovery. They've got some of the best recovery facilities in the country, so we made use of that and the training pitch as well to get the rest of the lads who didn't play some training time. It just worked well for us."

Ryan Manning is expected to return to Swansea's back three against Bristol City while Flynn Downes could be pushed forward to his preferred deep-lying midfield position.

It leaves Martin with a decision to make on Manchester City loanee Finley Burns who could well operate alongside Manning and Ben Cabango against the Robins this weekend.

Kyle Naughton (thigh) and Nathaneal Ogbeta (hamstring) will both miss out.

Kick-off is at 1pm on Sunday.

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