Angel Rangel: Swansea defender says next three games key

Angel Rangel has made 14 appearances for Swansea City this season

Swansea City defender Angel Rangel says their next three games could be crucial in their fight against relegation from the Premier League.

The Swans lost 3-0 at Middlesbrough on Saturday and are now second from bottom and three points from safety.

Bob Bradley's side host West Ham on Boxing Day and Bournemouth on New Year's Eve before visiting Crystal Palace on 3 January.

"We have two home games now and that's basically two cup finals," Rangel said.

"It's about doing the basics right which we did [in the win against] Sunderland but not against West Brom or Middlesbrough so it seems like the home games are the most important games for us to try and stay in this division.

"We know the next three games are going to be massive for us."

Improving their home record is important to Swansea, according to Rangel, who believes the Swans' survival hopes rest on their success at the Liberty Stadium.

"We find it difficult away from home. After the West Brom game we were very disappointed and we wanted to come to Middlesbrough and not lose the game," Rangel told BBC Radio Wales Sport.

"Games against teams around you are the games you need to take points to stay in the Premier League. West Ham and Crystal Palace, these teams we know we need to win.

"Then hopefully if we get some extra points away from home then that will be a bonus but we find it difficult at the moment."