Stoke City vs Swansea City: Angel Rangel aiming high to cope with the threat of Peter Crouch
Defender ready to face 6ft 7in striker who boasts 42 England caps
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Your support makes all the difference.Angel Rangel reckons Swansea City have conquered their fear of heights under manager Garry Monk.
The Welsh side travel to Stoke City today looking to end a run of four Premier League games without a win. If they are to do so they will have to handle the threat posed by Peter Crouch, the Potters' 6ft 7in striker.
The 33-year-old has scored on each of Swansea's three Premier League visits to the Britannia Stadium – indeed, he has been responsible for four of the five goals conceded by the visitors.
Rangel said: "It is obvious the height is a difficulty because we have short players. We've conceded so many goals from set-pieces to the big boys, like Andy Carroll and Crouch. But we are improving.
"It has caused us problems but you always learn from mistakes and try to get better. The gaffer was a defender for a long time - over 20 years as a professional. So, he has been showing us how to defend at set-pieces. It's important we use his experience."
Crouch has already found the net three times this season during an impressive run of form, and hopes to commit his long-term future to Stoke.
While not a universally popular choice during his international career, he does have 22 goals to show for his 42 England caps.
Rangel said: "Crouch seems clumsy, but he's not. You cannot think that about him.
"If they play a long ball to him then he will pull it down with his chest or his foot and make his team play. It's not just about heading the ball. You could see that when they got three points against Newcastle, he made the most of simple crosses into him, bringing others into play."
Rangel returns from suspension for the Swans but England call-up Jonjo Shelvey is out after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Newcastle United. England Under-21 international Tom Carroll or Jay Fulton will take his place.
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