[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

After several trips to the GP and a lengthy Friday evening phone conversation with NHS Direct, it seems the strange and unfamiliar symptoms I've been experiencing since last Saturday - which range from intense tingling sensations to bouts of uncontrollable elation, with a general feeling of benevolence towards the world at large persisting throughout - are attributable to a condition commonly known as "optimism." Unfamiliar as I am with this affliction, apparently the only known cure is to continue watching Albion until the disease naturally (and rapidly) subsides, so that end, we welcome Swansea to the Hawthorns tomorrow.

With the caveat that anything I write could be a hostage to fortune in the last ninety minutes of the transfer window, the reacquisition of Mikey Johnston would appear to be the icing on the cake of a successful summer's business. But we'll need to be at our best against a Swans side with a solid record against us, winning five out of the last six encounters, with only last season's corresponding fixture finishing narrowly in Albion's favour. Encouragingly, they've gone winless in six of their last seven league games on the road, and though they're no strangers to scoring at the Hawthorns - failing to do so only twice in the 21st century so far, from thirteen visits - Josh Maja's four goals so far suggest he's got the confidence to cause them a few problems in turn.

Knocked out of the League Cup in midweek by League One Wycombe, Swansea are liable to want a quick bounce back to form, but may still be reeling a little from the defeat. I expect goals, and fingers crossed, Albion can finish off an excellent August with our first home win of the campaign.