Last season was a season of
consolidation for the Swans, something which even with the turmoil of a change
of manager early February they still managed. Gary Monk took over the reins
from Michael Laudrup to finish 12th in the league, perhaps even more impressive
than their previous finishes of 9th and 11th considering
last season’s involvement in the UEFA Europa League. Goals last season weren’t
a problem, they managed 54, making them the top goal scoring team of the bottom
10, had they not leaked an equal number they could’ve been challenging for the
last Europa League spot taken by Tottenham who only managed a 55-51 tally in
goal difference. So far this summer they seem to have done enough to hang on to
top scorer, 25 year old Ivory Coast international Wilfried Bony but there is
still time for that to change come the end of the transfer window.
Seeing Welsh rivals Cardiff
relegated in their first season in the Premier League must have also been great
for Swans fans, enjoying a 3-0 home win but enduring a 1-0 loss in Cardiff in
the process.
Transfers
Swansea’s notable transfers this
summer include Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal, free transfer), Gylfi Sigurdsson
(Spurs, est. £9 million) and Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon, free transfer). They also
went on to sign Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough est. £1.5 million) and Jefferson
Montero (Monarcas, est. £4.4 million).
Without a doubt Swansea will be
excited with the return of attacking midfielder Sigurdsson, a player who spent
6 months at the Liberty stadium (on loan from 1899 Hoffenheim in 2012) before
his move to Tottenham Hotspur. His stay would have been extended had ex manager
Brendan Rodgers not left the club that summer. Welsh fans will finally get to
see what he can deliver for them in a full season in the Premier League. For me
however it has to be the free transfer capture of Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyon who
has the potential to follow Michu and Bony in being a fan favourite and club
season top scorer. Fabianski brings quality between the sticks and will be
first choice ahead of Gerhard Tremmel this season.
Swansea have had a considerable
amount of departures over the summer. They have lost Jonathan de Guzman (end of
loan), Michu (loaned to SSC Napoli), Chico Flores (Lekhwiya Sports Club, est.
£4.4 million), Pablo Hernandez (Al-Arabi, est. £4.4 million), Michel Vorm
(Tottenham Hotspur, est. £5 million), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur, est. £11
million), Leroy Lita (Barnsley, free) and David N’Gog (contract expiry) of
note. Interestingly Chico has once again linked up with former manager Michael
Laudrup at Lekhwiya, the coach being appointed at the end of June for the
Qatari side.
Predicted line up
Should incoming replacement
Federico Fernandez sign from SSC Napoli he should slot right in at centre back
for the departure of Chico Flores in a team I would expect Monk to go bold with
this season. Swansea certainly have some young attacking talent in the midfield
to support Bony and Gomis upfront, whether they will be ambitious enough to
adopt a 3-5-2 (false 9) or a more solid 4-5-1 in the bigger games remains to be
seen, once again I can’t see goals being a problem for them this season.
Squad Depth
Swansea’s first 11 is a good
side who can expect to finish mid table once again if they keep their players
fit. I think however that they will struggle should they sustain any lengthy
injuries to their main men. It’ll be interesting to see what late additions
they can bring to help a squad thin on first team players but without the
distraction of the Europa League it will be that little bit easier.
Predicted finish: 12th.
Without the demand of European
football, Swansea should finish in a bit more of a comfortable position this
season. However, with the departures of Vorm and Davies, Swansea’s defence is
left looking a bit lacklustre meaning they will most likely struggle to reach
the top half.
Predicted Key Player:
WILFRIED BONY or BAFETIMBI GOMIS
Should he stick around Bony’s
goals will once again be key to Swansea’s hopes of a decent league position
however should he leave they’ll need to hope Gomis is an early adopter to life
in the Premier League.
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