Paul Clement believes playing at Wembley on Saturday can inspire his Swansea City team to a shock victory over Tottenham.
Despite Spurs’ struggles to find their best form at their temporary new home – at least prior to their 3-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund in midweek – any positive result for the Swans on Saturday would be a rare achievement.
Swansea have lost 10 out of the last 12 Premier League games against Tottenham and last beat the London club in the League Cup in 1991.
But although they lost 1-0 to Newcastle United last weekend and have just four points this season, Clement says his side have reasons to look forward to their daunting trip.
“I think it’s an exciting game for us. We’re going to England’s national stadium to play in front of a massive crowd against one of the best teams in the country,” Clement said.
“We have gone away from home recently against some very good sides, played well and picked up some valuable points. There’s no reason why we can’t do that again on Saturday.”
Swansea are unbeaten away from home after a win at Crystal Palace and a draw at Southampton. Clement said the team would improve their home form once their new signings settled in.
The club brought in Renato Sanches on loan from Bayern Munich while striker Wilfried Bony rejoined from Manchester City.
“With the new players coming in, it takes a bit of time for things to re-align and that’s something that’s going on at the moment. But I have a nice feeling about this group and I think it will get stronger.”
Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League table with seven points from four matches after beating Everton 3-0 last weekend.
Clement has rejected claims in Germany that 20-year-old Sanches was shipped out on loan because of poor time-keeping and a wayward attitude.
Clement said: “I was there six months, and I can’t remember him being late for anything. Whether that happened after or not, I’m not sure.
“But I haven’t seen anything to suggest a problem.
“If he had a bad attitude he would not be here, simple as that. Part of the reason he came here was because I knew him as a player.
“I know how he trains, what his qualities are and what he needs to work on.”
Ki Sung-Yueng is almost back to full fitness after being out of action since picking up an injury while on international duty with South Korea in June.
The 28-year-old midfielder is now eyeing his first Premier League appearance since the final day of last season.
“Ki is close to rejoining full training – that’s not far away,” added Clement.
Nathan Dyer is training with Clement’s squad having been out since February with an Achilles injury, but he is not yet ready for a playing return.
