Michu Swansea
Swansea forward Michu celebrates after scoring against Valencia in their Europa League game, September 19Reuters

After thrashing Valencia in the first game of the group stage, Swansea will be expected to remain perfect when they host FC St. Gallen in the Europa League on Thursday.

With the Valencia game, away from home, handled with authority, Swansea are now the favourites to go through as winners of Group A and Michael Laudrup understands his side will have to cope with the expectations.

"We have had a fantastic start -- it couldn't have been better -- beating the top favourites of the group 3-0 in their ground," Laudrup said.

"Now we have two home games against the other two teams, starting tomorrow with St. Gallen, who won their first game at home. It's already quite an important game in this group.

"We had nothing to lose against Valencia. Nobody expected us to get anything. Tomorrow (Thursday) is different. Everybody will say that, right now, in this group, Swansea are the team to beat -- and they are playing at home. We have to accept that, at this moment, we are the favourites for this game.

"Tomorrow we have a small amount of pressure, because now we have to show that we can do it at home against a good side, who have had some good results. If we lose tomorrow, people will say we were a little lucky against Valencia."

St. Gallen, who are on a 12-match unbeaten run, were impressive in their 2-0 win over Kuban Krasnodar and the Swiss side cannot be taken too lightly.

"For us this a huge challenge. We are playing an established Premier League team," said the former Luxembourg international.

"They are a very good team," St. Gallen manager Jeff Saibene said. "They have proved that now. It was a surprise (Swansea's win in Valencia). That was a very convincing win and it shows the strength of the team.

"When you look at the result, it shows the level that Swansea are playing at. Swansea are just about favourites for the group.

"But in the Europa League Group Stage, it is unpredictable. Anyone can beat any team. We don't want to come here and hide - we are going to go out and give our all."

Team News: Swansea will be without skipper Ashley Williams, midfielder Palo Hernandez and defender Gary Monk for the game on Thursday. Roland Lamah and Angel Rangel, who missed the 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the weekend, are doubts.

St. Gallen have no fresh injury concerns with Saibene likely to make a couple of changes to the side that beat Grasshoppers last weekend.

Where to watch

The match is scheduled for a 12.35 a.m. (IST, Friday) start with live coverage on Ten HD.