Swansea manager Alan Curtis hopes home advantage will prove key against Sunderland

Swansea manager Alan Curtis believes home advantage could play a crucial role as his side look to secure victory against fellow strugglers Sunderland on Wednesday night.

City are four points above Sam Allardyce's side in the Premier League going into the game at the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sky Bet League Two side Oxford on Sunday but their last match on home soil ended in a 1-0 victory over West Brom on Boxing Day, to leave Curtis with some cause for optimism.

"Obviously Sunday was a really disappointing result - more so the performance," he told Swansea's official website.

"Even though we made the changes we should have had enough to get the result, but the only time we looked to play was when we were 3-1 down and by then it was too little too late.

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"But we've spoken to the players and we can't dwell on it now. We have a big game on Wednesday, we have to look forward and I'm sure we'll bounce back.

"I wouldn't call it a must-win game at this stage but we need to win games sooner rather than later.

"We know the significance of picking up three points but we need to treat it like any other game and use our home advantage."

Swans midfielder Leon Britton could make his 500th appearance for the club against Sunderland and Curtis was keen to praise the contribution he has made to the club.

"From the day he came here he's been an inspiration to everyone and whenever he plays the team is a better team," added Curtis.

"He stops danger at source, he's played a massive part in our rise through the divisions and full credit to him."