Swans can 'enjoy' Man City tie with pressure off - Roberts

Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts says the pressure is off Swansea City in tonight's Carabao Cup last-16 tie as they host Premier League powers Manchester City.

"It is. I think they've lost their last seven against Manchester City. I think in their last 13, they've lost 12, just one draw in the Premier League to show for, but I think it's a night for them to enjoy," Roberts told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

Pep Guardiola's side have won the EFL Cup in six of past 12 seasons, with Swansea famously claiming the trophy in 2013 when they upset Bradford City.

Man City are expected to field a much-changed side from the one that lost in the Premier League to Aston Villa last weekend.

Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference that: "The Carabao Cup has always been like that in the first stages. We have less injured [players this season] and we have players who need minutes, so the Carabao Cup is perfect for that."

He also hinted that goal machine Erling Haaland - who already has 11 in just nine league games this season - could be rested as they "don't need to risk him", with the Norwegian striker getting "a knock" at Villa Park.

While even a second-string Man City team will start as overwhelming favourites against their Championship hosts, Roberts says Swansea go into the game with their own centre forward in fine form

Zan Vipotnik scored a spectacular brace as the Swans beat Norwich City 2-1 on Saturday, taking the Slovenia striker's tally for the season to nine goals for club and country.

"You know, they've [Swansea] got a centre forward that's bang in form in Zan Vipotnik, two fantastic goals he scored against Norwich at the weekend," Roberts added.

"It's a tall order, but I'm sure it's a night that Swansea fans will really enjoy."