South Wales derby: Luke Williams expects ‘ferocious’ Swansea City at Cardiff City

There was no great celebration for Swansea when Cardiff visited last August, as Williams’ side controlled the first half – and went in front through Liam Cullen’s goal – only to lose their way after the break and concede a late Callum Robinson equaliser.

That meant only a second draw in this fixture since 2009 and frustration for Williams.

Swansea were beaten in dispiriting fashion on their most recent trip to Cardiff, when Michael Duff’s team went down 2-0 in September 2023.

But it is the Swans who have enjoyed the upper hand in the derby in recent years, with Cardiff struggling – at times – to cope with their neighbours’ possession-based approach.

Asked if he expects Swansea to dominate the ball this weekend, Williams said: “I expect my players to be ferocious and be highly motivated for the game.

“How that looks in terms of how much ball we have and whatever, I don’t know. But I know the lads are going to be in a very intense state of mind.

“There is a different emotion [surrounding the derby] and there’s no point trying to hide from that. There’s no point trying to pretend it’s exactly the same as all the other games. It’s not.”