Arsenal, Bournemouth, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Everton, Hull City, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland
Last season
Certainty a season of what might have been. After a promising start from the Swans, with new signing Andre Ayew particularly impressing, they went downhill rapidly in the mid-season, falling into the relegation zone as we entered December. This ultimately cost Garry Monk his job, with Francisco Guidolin his eventual replacement.
Under the tutelage of the Italian, the Welsh side climbed slowly up the table, with impressive wins at The Emirates and at home to Chelsea. A 1-1 draw with Manchester City on the final day sent the Swans 12th, a good achievement given the circumstances at the turn of the year.
Certainty a season of what might have been. After a promising start from the Swans, with new signing Andre Ayew particularly impressing, they went downhill rapidly in the mid-season, falling into the relegation zone as we entered December. This ultimately cost Garry Monk his job, with Francisco Guidolin his eventual replacement.
Under the tutelage of the Italian, the Welsh side climbed slowly up the table, with impressive wins at The Emirates and at home to Chelsea. A 1-1 draw with Manchester City on the final day sent the Swans 12th, a good achievement given the circumstances at the turn of the year.
Backroom setup
Swansea fans will be glad to hear that Guidolin will be retained as manager for the upcoming year, meaning that the important changes will be made to the on-field staff.
Swansea fans will be glad to hear that Guidolin will be retained as manager for the upcoming year, meaning that the important changes will be made to the on-field staff.
Pre-season
Easiest way to describe this is simple. Whereas other sides have focused more on creating challenging matches, the Swans seem to have looked towards eminently winnable games, and as such picked up 5 from 6. Starting in the US, Swansea beat third tier side Charlotte Independence 4-0, before ending up on the end of a 2-0 reverse to Richmond Kickers, again in the US third division.
Having returned to the UK, Swansea took a short trip around England to face some of our lower league sides. A 5-1 win at Bristol Rovers, which saw five goals from different scorers, was followed by a 3-0 win at Swindon and a 4-0 win at Wolves, with Wayne Routledge bagging a brace. The Swans final game saw them return to the Liberty, securing a narrow 1-0 win over French side Stade Rennais, but unlike many of their key rivals, have yet to be really tested.
Easiest way to describe this is simple. Whereas other sides have focused more on creating challenging matches, the Swans seem to have looked towards eminently winnable games, and as such picked up 5 from 6. Starting in the US, Swansea beat third tier side Charlotte Independence 4-0, before ending up on the end of a 2-0 reverse to Richmond Kickers, again in the US third division.
Having returned to the UK, Swansea took a short trip around England to face some of our lower league sides. A 5-1 win at Bristol Rovers, which saw five goals from different scorers, was followed by a 3-0 win at Swindon and a 4-0 win at Wolves, with Wayne Routledge bagging a brace. The Swans final game saw them return to the Liberty, securing a narrow 1-0 win over French side Stade Rennais, but unlike many of their key rivals, have yet to be really tested.
Squad and signings
Their case will not have been aided by the sale of all of their recognised strikers from last season. Having made it very clear that Bafetimbi Gomis would be leaving to Marseille on loan, while Euro 2016 winner Eder (Lille), Alberto Paloschi (Atalanta), and most notably Andre Ayew (West Ham, £20.5m), Swansea have been left very threadbare up front. The Welsh club have also lost their captain, with Ashley Williams being charged with replacing Everton's John Stones for a £12m fee.
In fairness, the Swans have certainly been active in the transfer market, bringing in two headline strikers in Fernando Llorente from Sevilla and Borja Baston from Atletico Madrid for £15.5m. In addition, Swansea have added on-loan midfielder Leroy Fer and Dutch defender Mike van der Voorn to their squad as they look to build strength in depth.
Their case will not have been aided by the sale of all of their recognised strikers from last season. Having made it very clear that Bafetimbi Gomis would be leaving to Marseille on loan, while Euro 2016 winner Eder (Lille), Alberto Paloschi (Atalanta), and most notably Andre Ayew (West Ham, £20.5m), Swansea have been left very threadbare up front. The Welsh club have also lost their captain, with Ashley Williams being charged with replacing Everton's John Stones for a £12m fee.
In fairness, the Swans have certainly been active in the transfer market, bringing in two headline strikers in Fernando Llorente from Sevilla and Borja Baston from Atletico Madrid for £15.5m. In addition, Swansea have added on-loan midfielder Leroy Fer and Dutch defender Mike van der Voorn to their squad as they look to build strength in depth.
Tactics
It's difficult to say given all the changes made over the summer, but certainly Francisco Guidolin will not want to abandon the tactics that kept Swansea in the Premier League. As with Bafetimbi Gomis, we are likely to see the Swans continue to employ the target man tactic when it comes to Llorente, while looking for Borja Baston to feed off the big Spaniard.
It's difficult to say given all the changes made over the summer, but certainly Francisco Guidolin will not want to abandon the tactics that kept Swansea in the Premier League. As with Bafetimbi Gomis, we are likely to see the Swans continue to employ the target man tactic when it comes to Llorente, while looking for Borja Baston to feed off the big Spaniard.
Predictions
Swansea's season could all come down to have they start. Having lost so many of their key players over the last few years, I don't see the Swans keeping their head above water. There is always one shock relegation every year, and I see Swansea being that team.
Final position: 18th
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