Swansea prepares to face Birmingham in Carabao Cup opener

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 1:30 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Swansea prepares to face Birmingham in Carabao Cup opener
Summary

Swansea City hosts Birmingham City on Saturday at 15:00 BST in the first round of the Carabao Cup, marking the beginning of the 2026-27 season. Head coach Vitor Matos plans to field a strong side despite the competition typically allowing for squad rotations. Swansea aims to compete aggressively, coming off a pre-season that included a matchup against Leganes. The team will be without Goncalo Franco due to an ankle injury and will not feature Ross Stewart, who missed pre-season. However, newcomers like Stephen Welsh and Zan Vipotnik are available for the match.

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By the Numbers
  • Swansea plays Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup.
  • Match kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday.
  • Matos aims to use a near full-strength side.
  • Goncalo Franco is sidelined with an injury.
  • Stephen Welsh and Zan Vipotnik available for selection.
Latest Updates
  • 1:30 PMYahoo SportsNo change to Matos' plan as season starts with cup
What they're saying
"

Vitor Matos says there will be no change to his selection plans even though Swansea City's first game of the 2026-27 season is in the Carabao Cup. Managers often use the early stages of the EFL Cup to give squad players game time, but Matos looks set to field something close to his strongest available side. "We don't separate competitions," said the Swansea head coach.

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