Last Season: The Swans enjoyed an impressive season last year as they managed to not only win the Capital One Cup with a 5-0 victory over underdogs Bradford, which secured them qualification to the Europa League play offs, but also managed to finish 9th place in the Premier League.
Even though Michael Laudrup’s team finished with 14 losses and just 11 wins, the Swans were able to remain to the top 10, with the same amount of points as West Ham, thanks to their 13 draws and a certain Spaniard called Michu.
The Swans beat the likes of Arsenal, Fulham and Newcastle, the latter being put to the sword both home and away. If they can improve on this form then it could be another successful season for the Welsh outfit.
Transfer Ins:
Jernade Meade (Arsenal)
Wilfried Bony (Vitesse)
Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool)
Alejandro Pozuelo (Real Betis)
Alexander Gogic (Olympiacos U20)
Gregor Zabret (Domzale)
Jordi Amat (Espanyol)
Jose Alberto Canas (Real Betis)
Transfer Outs:
Kemy Agustien (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Mark Gower (Charlton Athletic)
Dwight Tiendalli
Player to watch: The Spanish striker, who can also play as attacking midfielder, Michu was one of the Premier League’s most impressive signings last season as he managed to score a total of 18 goals in the league and finish in 5th place on the top scorers’ list just one goal behind Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.
The 27-year-old also counts two assists and scored around one goal per match on average. This year he will be counted on a lot by Laudrup and the fans as his goals will be even more critical now that the competition has become tougher.
It will also be interesting to see how Jonathan de Guzman does for one more year on loan from Villareal to Swansea. The 25-year-old Netherlands international impressed a lot last season with 37 appearances with the Swans and five goals, he also scored twice in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.
Young player to watch: The 21-year-old Jonjo Shelvey, who just signed a four-year deal for £5million, is definitely a player that might be able to provide a different dimension to Swansea and their Danish coach. The young midfielder counts 47 appearances with his former team Liverpool and has also been capped 13 times with England U21s.
Prediction: The Swans are looking to keep up the good work Laudrup started last season and there’s no reason they can’t go one better.
Swansea scored 47 goals and conceded 51 which show that there is a problem in defence – if that is taken care of then the Welsh team will be able to remain a threat this season. The team has been a thorn in the side of many top teams nevertheless, as they did draw with Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City and champions Manchester United – this season could quite possibly be no different.
Also, Romelu Lukaku’s departure from West Brom might work in Swansea’s favour and could help them climb one spot in the league.
Our prediction: 8th place.
