Swans must be 'perfect' to upset Burnley

Alan Sheehan with members of Swansea's staff at Watford in midweek — [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Caretaker boss Alan Sheehan says perfection will be required from Swansea City if they are to humble high-flying Burnley today (15:00 GMT).

Swansea are looking for a response having lost narrowly at Watford in midweek, with Sheehan suffering a first defeat since he took the reins following last month's departure of Luke Williams.

But they face one of the Championship's sternest examinations against a Burnley side who have lost only two of their 37 league games this season.

Scott Parker's Clarets have not been beaten in the second tier since a 1-0 reverse at Millwall on 3 November, while they have conceded just 11 league goals in 2024-25.

Sheehan says a Swansea victory this weekend would be an "upset" – but insists his 16th-placed team can topple opponents who are two points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

"You can win every game if you are perfect," Sheehan said.

"There are three four teams up there, in that league of their own. Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley are there, and Sunderland are there having a very strong season.

"I think you have to be perfect in every way – tactically, physically, mentally – to compete against these teams because they have individuals and a really strong defensive base.

Burnley boss Scott Parker — [Getty Images]

"But we have to find a way to make us as competitive as possible."

Burnley were held to a draw by West Brom in midweek, a result which ended a three-game league winning run.

The Lancashire club, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have drawn 15 league games this season, hence they trail Leeds United and Sheffield United in the promotion race even though both those sides have lost more matches.

While expectations about Swansea's prospects may be low heading into the game, Sheehan insists the pressure is on his team to deliver a performance.

"You don't get judged as much playing against these teams because they have so much quality in their squad, but it's important that we show up and do what we do," he said.

"It will be an incredibly difficult test. But we have to be the best version of ourselves, which I feel like we have been for large parts of the last four games."

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