Next Up: Crewe Alexandra

BRACE YOUSELVES FOLKS! Football is back and considering the dross we experienced last season, the mood is surprisingly spirited. Rookie Paolo Di Canio takes on the veteran Dario Gradi

In an interview with BBC Radio Wiltshire, Paolo Di Canio made it quite clear that he was not taking his debut clash with Crewe lightly.

'They have many young talented players who play with instinct. We'll try and put them under pressure.

He concluded by stating that every 'opening day is so special for me because it is the start of something important'.

Goalkeepers Mattia Lanzano and Mark Scott are both out with injuries so Phil Smith starts.

Alberto Comazzi was sent-off in Italy last season so sits out of this one. Aden Flint will be given a chance.

Etienne Esajas is injured but his spell on the sidelines won't be as long as initially feared. Alessandro Cibocchi is struggling.

Alan Connell, Raffaele De Vita, Jonathan Smith, Oliver Risser, Joe Devera, Ibrahim Atiku, Alan McCormack and Mehdi Kerrouche are all in line for debuts.

Despite all the signings made this season it's a Danny Wilson signing that still strikes me as our most valuable player. If Ritchie plays well then Crewe will be in trouble.

Dario Gradi has a pretty much full squad to choose from with only minor injuries within the squads.

He will be hoping to follow on after a brilliant 2010/11.

It's been over two years since the two sides last met and that was a 0-0 draw at the County Ground.

Swindon Town 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

Town travel to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol City in the League Cup.

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