Swansea City - 10 possible signings

Michael Laudrup has stated to the Welsh media that unless he is promised funds for the summer then he cannot guarantee he will stay. I agree with him in this instance, the club is completely stable and with a profit of 15.9 million last year and that doesn't include some of the players they sold like Joe Allen, Danny Graham etc. The Swans need to spend, their most expensive signings being the joint club record fee they paid for Pablo Hernandez and Ki-Seung Yeung. I can see that being eclipsed this summer.Swansea finished 9th in the Premier League which gives them around 7.2 million add that to the millions they will acquire next term you have to wonder why it's not being ploughed back into the team that's keeping them in the league.

1 - Iago Aspas - Celta Vigo - La Liga

Iago Aspas has been the shining light in what has been a poor debut season in La Liga for Celta Vigo. After 36 games Celta currently occupy 20th place in La Liga and even though the gap is only 4 points from Deportivo La Coruna you can not see Celta winning both their games and Deportivo not taking anything, stranger things have happened but it looks like they will drop down to Segunda. This essentially means they will have to offload their strongest asset and for even cheaper than their asking price or his buy-out class for that matter. His clause is 8 million but you can see them losing him for around 6 if the right buyer comes in. He can play as either an out and out striker or a secondary striker in the form of Michu or even a wide player. His versatility could be a huge asset. 11 goals in La Liga for a struggling side is an accomplished sum.

2 - Jose Canas - Real Betis - La Liga

Another recruit from La-Liga, report in Spain understand that Canas had already signed a pre-contract agreement in January so that he can sign this summer. He occupies the holding midfielder role and has a bit of height around him which could be valuable in the engine room for Swansea City. His displays in La Liga have given Real Betis a lofty position. What he does well is the fact he reads the game well and does the simple things. He's not going to create numerous chances or score plenty of goals but he will defend well and distribute ball. Similar mould to Swansea's own Leon Britton. Will join on a free transfer if reports are to be confirmed.

3 - Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea - Premier League

Romelu Lukaku has been instrumental in the success of West Brom this season of course playing on loan there from Chelsea. You have to wonder how he's not been given a chance at the Blues. He was the 6th top scorer in PL with 17 just behind Swansea's own Michu so the idea of putting them both in contrast of one another could be very appealing. Swansea will search for a season long loan again but that could depend on the future Chelsea manager position and also the needs of the powerhouse striker himself. With rumours of him wanting to go to Dortmund. Would be a crucial asset to Swansea if completed.

4 - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Saint Etienne - Ligue 1

We all know Swansea are in the market for a striker and reports in France claim that Swansea, Spurs and other top sides have shows interest in the 19 goals in Ligue 1 Gabonese striker. Speed and strength are this player's main assets and is coming into the latter stages of his contract so could be interested in a move to the Premier League to test himself. Also very young at 23 so can only improve as a footballer and could be sold on in future. Could be an outsider signing for the summer so keep an eye on this one.

5 - Albert Botia - Sevilla - La Liga

All these attacking re-inforcements and what we have to remember is that Swansea are short of quality in the heart of their defence. If reports are true that Ashley Williams is close to a switch to Arsenal then Swansea have lost not only their captain/leader but also the rock at the back. Botia could be seen as a replacement and at the age of 24 there are plenty of years in this player. It's nowhere near a replacement for Williams but at least it's a start, just like all Swansea signings he has played at top level which is crucial. Remember Botia came through at Barcelona.

6 - Andros Towsend/Scott Sinclair - Spurs/Man City - Premier League

Two players of equal status right now, Townsend who was on loan at QPR this season was a highlight in an anotherwise poor season. Scott Sinclair a familiar figure in Swansea's rise to the Premier League and partially their success in their first season has cut a forlorn figure at Man City. Only 4 starts all season and a blood clot in his shoulder just signify how low a season he's had. He knew once he moved that starts would be limited but sacrificing 40 games a season for 10 at most is a massive change. I believe that a return could have been on the cards had he not been ruled out because of the blood clot damaging his pre-season. Townsend on the other hand has been subject of a betting charge and has pulled out of the under 21s tournament this summer. Both possible signings but recent events could have put a spanner in the works. 

7 - Kenwyn Jones - Stoke - Premier League

Stories in January were rife with speculation that Jones was signing for Swansea, it came just as Swansea were about to play Stoke as well and surrounded the whole event. Kenwyn is in the same form as Lukaku but is more established but in that respect much older. Whereas Lukaku has more raw talent and younger. What he offers is strength and power and he wins a fair share of headers and can retain the ball. He hardly got a look in towards the latter end of Stoke's season and his work rate and passing ability has been questioned. Could possible relight this transfer in the summer especially with Swansea's need for attackers.

8 - Bradley Johnson - Norwich City - Premier League

What Swansea lack in essence is a midfielder who makes a lot of tackles and will get among the midfield and really impose his mark. Bradley Johnson is someone who could offer that and Norwich were quick to deny reports at the end of the season that he was on Swansea's radar. Johnson like Snodgrass for Norwich are two players who really put themselves about and it's something Swansea lack perhaps being too nice at times. Norwich put in some huge performances this season and Johnson was key to this. A grafter in the midfield allows the more creative players a licence to roam. Could be possible subject to other players.

9 - Marcus Alonso - Bolton Wanderers - Npower Championship

An old story here which was possible in January but seems faltering now with the emergence of Ben Davies and the form of Dwight Tiendalli could scupper that move but it could still be one to watch. The Ex Real Madrid youngster has been a huge player for Bolton in past seasons including their Championship push. He has experience at the top level but with Swansea having the luxury of having two full backs on both sides it's something they don't have to worry about as opposed to before this season.

10 - Arouna Kone - Wigan Athletic - Npower Championship

Arouna Kone has been one of the success stories at Wigan alongside the front three of Shaun Maloney and Callum Mcmanaman. 13 goals this season and his ability to retain ball and run the channels has been vitally important. Wigan won the FA cup but also got relegated in the same season, a stat never achieved before. Kone has that bit of pace, almost an element of Obafemi Martins, interestingly both played for Levante. Swansea have always had pace throughout the side but never a striker and this could be a possible signing especially with Wigan needing to offload players to balance the books. Great season for the Ivorian despite what has happened elsewhere.

All these possible signings I've acknowledged from newspaper reports and articles in the past year, remember these are just possible signings and just from what I've seen.

Much appreciated
Daniel John

Premier League Predictions - 20/10/12

Tottenham V Chelsea

The return of the Special one, well part two anyway. AVB who was nicknamed the second coming of the Special One when he arrived at Chelsea before his ill fated spell at the London club and now he takes charge of a club not that far away in the form of Spurs. AVB's men are unbeaten since the loss at Newcastle in the opening game of the season and have beaten Manchester United, Villa and QPR. 

The problem is that they come up against A Chelsea side in the same kind of form who are sitting pretty at the top of the table as well. Chelsea are unbeaten in the league and have notched up wins against Arsenal, Newcastle and Stoke this season so the scene is set. Defoe, Bale, Lennon and Dempsey up against Torres, Hazard, Oscar and Mata. It's the early Kick off so expect fireworks at lunchtime and a cracking game of football. 

Players to Watch - Eden Hazard/Gareth Bale 0 - Players in top form right now

Predicted Scoreline - 2-2

Fulham v Aston Villa 

In contrast this match looks the most odds on for a draw if you were a betting man. Fulham are a force on their own patch but defensive frailities continues to haunt them, Whilst Paul Lambert's side are showing signs of a mini revival after their early woes. Fulham at 9th are a few places above Villa at 15th, Villa got thumped 4-1 away to Southampton last week so expect a response here. Fulham lost their last game at home to Manchester City which is no disgrace so expect them ready to fire here, with goals expected this could be an exciting game on the eye. 

Players to Watch - Dimitar Berbatov/ Christian Benteke 

Predicted Scoreline 3 - 1

Liverpool v Reading

With all respect to Reading, I think this will be on the most one sided games of the weekend. Liverpool at home are always a mixed bag with a great performance normally resulting in a disappointing result. They have lost at home to Arsenal and Manchester United which isn't really a bad result but they really are unpredictable this season. Liverpool have one 3 pointer under their belts this season and that was a 5-2 win away to Norwich. Reading on the other hand have not won at all this season and I don't see this changing anytime soon with a draw probably their best option if Liverpool struggle to get over their psychologic problems at Anfield. The Brendan Rodgers era is definitely starting to show promise with Rodgers getting the best out of players like Shelvey, Sterling, Kelly and co. 

Players to Watch - Luis Suarez/ Alex McCarthy 

Predicted Scoreline - 2-0

Manchester United v Stoke City 

United could be in for a long afternoon if they don't try to negate Stoke's aerial bombardment, United struggled against Stoke last season home and away and have struggled to hit any kind of form this season amidst defensive frailties. The win at Newcastle last game could be where they kick on from now. After losing to Spurs at home they outclassed Newcastle at the Sports Direct Arena which is no easy fate. Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are slowly starting to find a partnership which will worry Stoke because whilst they might match United in height and physical stature, movement off the ball and composure is something the Potters severly lack.  Creativity also. 

Players to Watch - Wayne Rooney/ Michael Kightly 

Predicted Scoreline - 3-1

Swansea City v Wigan Athletic

Swansea are on a barren run of late, Their opening 3 fixtures yielded 7 points and some classy performances, however their other 4 have yielded 1 point against sides who they should have been taking more against which is worrying considering the big boys are in town next week. The Liberty was a fortress last season where they only got beat 4 times last season and need something along the same lines again this season. 

They got soundly beat at home by Everton recently and just about managed a draw last despite being 2-0 down at home to Reading. Wigan despite lacking quality since the departure of Victor Moses to Chelsea still have some exciting talent in the forms of Shaun Maloney and Franko Di Santo. Last time out they held Everton at home 2-2 which if you consider Leighton Baines nicked a late penalty it could have been a bit better. Swansea need this game more than Wigan and need better protection at the back with the back four constantly changing.

Players to Watch - Michu/Shaun Maloney 

Predicted Scoreline - 2-1

West Brom v Man City 

A potential banana skin here for the reigning champions. West Brom under Steve Clark are a complete package this season and the signing of Lukaku from Chelsea on loan. The home side sit comfortably at 6th in the league and only a point behind their fabled counterparts. West Brom's defeat at home to Liverpool remains their only blemmish in what has been a particularly exciting opening from the Hawthorns outfit. Man City on the other hand have had two wins recently which came after two draws so not all doom and gloom for a side who have been deemed a little underprepared this season. West Brom have promised goals this season and Man City always manage to score goals wherever they go.

Players to Watch - Romelu Lukaku/ Carlos Tevez

Predicted Scoreline - 1-3

West Ham v Southampton

West Ham are a mixed bag this season, they were simply beaten by Arsenal at home last game, Beat QPR and drew to Sunderland so you can't really predict this one in fairness. Southampton are actually in the same boat, early performances yielded attractive games but not attractive points on the board. The boys from St Mary's drew at Fulham recently which is surrounded by a pretty standard defeat to Everton and yet put 4 past Villa so it's hard to guage where they are right now. This result could simply could either with James Collins and Hooiveld on each sides having numerous lapses at the back costing their sides so expect a fair few goals here. 

Predicted Scoreline - 2-1

Players to Watch - Andy Carroll/Adam Lallana 

Norwich City v Arsenal

Last season in this fixture RVP showed his class with a performance of pace and precision. The Gunners came out 2-1 winners here and drew 3-3 at the Emirates so we know goals are a given. Arsenal look steely at the back but have yet to truly continue to click over numerous games. They won away in their last outing against West Ham and lost at home against Chelsea so i think Arsene Wenger will be happy his team are on the travels again this time out. Arsenal are at 7th whilst Norwich are contrasting whilst sitting in 19th place and have struggled to find anything from last season which served them well but it is early days so far. 

Predicted Scoreline - 0-2

Players to Watch - Grant Holt/ Santi Cazorla

Sunday fixtures -  21/10/12

Sunderland v Newcastle United

The other derby of the weekend tales place in the north with the Tyneside bragging rights up for sale as well as the valuable 3 points. The two clubs are only 2 points at this stage with Newcastle in 10th and Sunderland in 13th which means if Sunderland win this weekend then they will overtake their neighbours which as all rivals will say is a huge psychological boost over the other. Both clubs come into this game on heavy defeats against the Manchester clubs with Newcastle's game more worrying since it was at their own stomping ground. This game is known for bad blood and sendings off. You can bet Lee Cattermole will be somewhere around the action. Having already been sent off 5 times in his Sunderland career. He has built a reputation for an uncompromising player. 

Predicted Scoreline - 1-1

Players to Watch - Stephane Sessegnon/ Demba Ba

QPR V Everton

The last game of the weekend features two sides essentially on the opposite ends of the form spectrum, QPR sit rock bottom of the Premier League with a solitary 2 points.  Whereas Everton on the other hand sit in 4th after some terrific early season promise slowly halted with the draw away to Wigan recently although remember Everton have only lost once this season away to West Brom.  QPR always seem to manage goals, the problem is that it's normally against them which is the problem whilst Everton have plenty of attacking options which is worrying for a QPR side whose home form is also questionable. Baines and Piennarr to cause huge problems down the left. 

Predicted Scoreline - 1-2

Players to Watch - Junior Hoilett, Marouane Fallaini

Much Appreciated

D.John

Premier League Fixtures - 6/7th October

Manchester City V Sunderland

This one is the early kick off on Saturday and you can bet that will include some goals in this where it finished 3-3 last season with City still struggling to find fluent form and Sunderland getting stronger with each game it's hard to pick a result let alone a winner, If City click tomorrow they will want to issue a statement to the rest of the league but if it becomes another error strewn performance lacking intensity like midweek then it really could be an away victory despite City's dominance at home over the last year or so.

Players to watch - David Silva and Adam Johnson respectively

Predicted score - 2-1


Chelsea v Norwich

This one in my opinion will be the most simplest of results this weekend particularly with Chelsea at home and looking so good at the moment and off the back of a thumping 4-0 win midweek over European opposition it's hard to see Norwich getting anything even if Fernando Torres draws a blank. With the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Moses and co there's just too much firepower in this home side and despite Norwich's best efforts could be a long afternoon unless they get the basics right.

Players to Watch - Oscar

Predicted score 3-0

Swansea v Reading

How times have changed since these sides both met last time in the richest game in history. The championship play off final which Swansea won 4-2 will go down in history which is why tomorrow's fixture has a bit of spice towards it. Despite Reading going up the season after it still doesn't hide the fact that it was a dark day in Reading's history when they lost that faithful day so despite revenge not being on the menu i'm sure satisfaction will be. Swansea have lost 3 in a row whilst Reading haven't won at all this season which makes this game a massive game for both. Reading will be down there come the end of the season according to pundits and Swansea not far above them but I think Swansea need this result more just to boost morale if anything. Could be a long afternoon if the Swans plan A doesn't stick.

Player to watch - Michu/ Pavel Pogrebnyak

Predicted Score - 2-0 

West Brom v QPR

This on paper looks equal but the table will tell you different, West Brom are currently flying high despite losing their manager in the summer, Steve Clark has done a wonderful job and with the players he has right now they all want to work for him. As for QPR despite having talent they still have a weakness which West ham exposed almost at will on Monday night. QPR haven't registered an away victory since Mark Hughes took over and it doesn't like that's going to change this weekend. West Brom are full of confidence and that alone could see them through and if Romelu Lukaku gets his way then the visitors defence could be stretched again.

Players to Watch - Lukaku/Taarabt

Predicted Scoreline 2-1


Wigan v Everton

Just like the previous game I mentioned this again  you would think would normally be tricky to tell but the problem is that Everton once again have proved their credentials early on despite being known as poor starters and Wigan well always have their problems early on. Everton's start has attracted the headlines but it's the style they have portrayed which has admirers it's more adventurous and creative. It's simple to expect Everton to win with the left hand partnership of Baines and Pienaar complimented on the right side of Mirallas and Coleman which is blossoming. It's not expected to be just a simple win as Wigan are so unpredictable but you would put more emphasis on an away victory first and foremost.

Players to Watch - Mirallas/Di Santo

Predicted Scoreline - 2-3


West Ham v Arsenal

Another classic element of style v Substance with Andy Carroll setting the tone for West Ham this season along with players such as Vaz Te and Matt Jarvis gives them not only a game plan but an excutioner to convert it. Arsenal have looked solid defensively and promising attackingly but the setback by Chelsea last week means that the side will be keen to avenge that defeat and get back on track, it could be a long evening for the visitors if they don't get into their game early on and get a goal because West Ham will keep coming and crosses will be bombarded into the box.

Players To Watch: Matt Jarvis/ Lukas Podolski

Predicted Scoreline - 0-2

Sundays Fixtures

Southampton v Fulham

Southampton should be encouraged by their opening displays despite not having the points to promote that. The problem they have is at the back they just ship too many goals and it just looks generally unstable at the back proved by the mauling at Arsenal recently. This could be more of of an even fixture due to Fulham's inability away from home so here could be a chance for the opening win at St Mary's this Sunday. They need Rickie Lambert to be fit and firing for this one but must be aware of the technician Dimitar Berbatov at Fulham who has already showed that he is a shrewd acquisition. 

Players to Watch - Jay Rodriguez/Dimitar Berbatov

Predicted Scoreline - 1-1

Liverpool v Stoke City

Liverpool are on the up in my opinion and with some decent finishing and some consistency at the back they could well be troubling top 6 even the top 4 but this match here will really determine how far they have come. It's style versus substance in this one. Liverpool's short passing will come up against Stoke's lofty long ball devastation even at home so if Liverpool are going to find a way to win they need to do within their own style. It can only go one way this one despite Stoke's recent profit at home they still lack cohesion away from home and this will be a tight one but will go to the home side who have too much creativity at the moment.

Player to watch - Nuri Sahin

Predicted Scoreline - 3-1 

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

Spurs are slowly but surely starting to click under AVB which is a worry for their hosts particularly with their away form not only this season but last. Although the arrival of Benteke has given them spark up front. AVB fielded a strong side midweek away in Greece and it could come back to haunt them although they have till Sunday to shake off the Jetlag etc. Spurs have too strong a side to not impose themselves on this one it won't be as simple as they suggest with Villa slowly improving under Lambert but you can see the result heading home here. Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Clint Dempsey need to click properly to unlock the Villa defence.

Players to Watch - Jermaine Defoe/ Darren Bent

Predicted Scoreline - 2-0

Newcastle United v Manchester United

This fixture proved a statement of dominance that Newcastle were well and truly here. They easily dispatched Manchester United 3-0 with Cabaye's freekick the pick of the bunch although I don't think Phil Jones is going to argue that one. Newcastle haven't hit the heights of last season yet with only Demba Ba and occasionally Obertan really showing continued glimpses of quality with Cisse, Cabaye and many others struggling to get to where they were last season. Newcastle have 9 points on the board after 6 games but perhaps should have expected more after having a relatively simple start. United themselves are struggling particularly at the back where they are really missing Phil Jones and Chris Smalling with Evans/Ferdinand exposed vigitantly last week at home to Spurs where they were beaten 3-2 despite dominating the second half their defence looks short of confidence and cohesion along with quality. Could be a long afternoon for Sir Alex's men if they don't impose themselves early.

Players to watch - Demba Ba/Robin Van Persie

Predicted Scoreline - 1-2

Thanks for reading, Much Appreciated.

Dan

Opening Fixtures - Barclays Premier League

Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0 

Well life after Van Persie is exactly as it sounds for Arsenal fans as they watched on as plucky Sunderland frustrated them all afternoon and despite an encouraging debut from Santi Cazorla it was a less than encouraging debut for both Lucas Podolski and Oliver Giroud with the latter spurning a chance to show the Arsenal faithful that he can replace RVP. Sunderland didn't really set out to attack Arsenal so you could really see this result coming as both sides cancelled each other out. Perhaps not surprising after the anti climax of Arsenal's finest heading through the exit door each summer.

Fulham 5 Norwich 0 

After many expected Fulham to struggle this season particularly without Clint Dempsey as well, it seems unbelievable that such a result occured. Norwich were beyond poor in this game but take nothing away from Fulham who were speared by their rampant wingback in the form of John Arne Riise who seemed to find the form that made him unstoppable at Liverpool. It seems that Norwich have plenty of soul searching to do after this game because it looked like their first game in the league not their 39th. Loads of work ahead for Chris Houghton. Martin Jol will be ecstatic to start the season with such a commanding display.

QPR 0 Swansea 5

Perhaps the result of the weekend, A side who had brought in bags of Premier League experience against a side who lost their manager and arguable their best player both to the same side so were almost starting new again. New signings were also on offer for Swansea with Michael Laudrup fielding Chico Flores at the back and De Guzman and Michu in midfield with the latter really grabbing the headlines. Michu grabbed a brace 8 minutes into the first half and 8 minutes into the second which were crucial times in the game. Nathan Dyer was told to come inside to look for work and both his goals were illustrated from this. Scott Sinclair rounding off a comfortable victory but an imaginable result.

Reading 1 Stoke 1

Reading's first game back in the top flight was a comfortable affair and would have been much simpler had Adam Federici been able to predict the flight of the ball to his near post as Stoke City new signing Michael Kightly had a great start to his new career. An even game in fairness and always seemed destined for a draw with both of the goals having an element of luck about them. Even Reading's penalty shouldn't have been with many people crediting that advantage had been played to Noel Hunt but his shot was saved and the referee brought it back so in contrast the game evened itself out. 

West Brom 3 Liverpool 0 

New managers on both dugouts for this fixture with Brendan Rodgers beginning to build a dynasty again at Liverpool and old Liverpool assistant Steve Clarke at West Brom this was surely to be a crucial game for both sides. They both needed the wins for their respective managers. Goals from Zoltan Gera, Peter Odemwingie and Romelu Lukaku sealed the win for the Baggies and could have been more had Shane Long's penalty been a little less tame. A sending off for Daniel Agger really couldn't have made matters any worse for Liverpool with Man City up next. As for West Brom a great start and plenty to build on. 

West Ham 1 Aston Villa 0 

Both sides got exactly what they deserved in this fixture it's as simple as the scoreline suggests. Few goal scoring opportunities and the ones that did fall were for the home side. Kevin Nolan was the difference between the sides with his simple tap in which was slowly awarded, Aston Villa looked short of Premier League class all afternoon and it will be a tough season for Paul Lambert if he doesn't act on it quickily because the warning signs were apparent here. No firepower and a lack of composure around the park. New signing Maiga could have made it easier for West Ham but his shot was cleared off the line after cleverly rounding Shay Given. 

Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1 

Definitely a close affair this one between two sides matched for the top 6 at least. Jermaine Defoe showing here why he is currently on form and his poaching abilities well documented as well with his goal a traditional strikers finish. Demba Ba got on the scoresheet with his first goal for 14 games although perhaps being on the left wing he was sacrificed for Cisse which is no insult. The turning point in the match was the penalty won by Hatem Ben Arfa which he tricked inside Van Der Vaart and Aaron Lennon to draw in the foul which he dispatched himself. A really tight match and shows how strong each side is this season although both sides still keen to re-invest. 

Wigan 0 Chelsea 2 

This fixture was very comfortable for the European Champions who only found themselves troubled against a very eager Victor Moses who is perhaps trying to appeal to his opposition to sign him already. It was a match of two wingers one who was playing in a controlled side and settled and the other who was seen as the saviour and the main player or the go-to man rather. Eden Hazard provided a masterclass for Chelsea fans with his turn proving sweet and his through ball even more delicate and things got even better for the Belgian when he endured a reckless challenge from Ivan Ramis who had a nightmare in his Wigan debut. Moses was the only shining light in an otherwise disappointing home performance at the DW. Chelsea had done enough in 10 minutes to earn the 3 points. 

Man City 3 Southampton 2

Man City seemed to start the season as they finished their last. A 3-2 scoreline perhaps illustrates that with 20 minutes to go there could have been the shock of the season as newly promoted Southampton were holding no fear at the home of champions. When Man City took the lead through Carlos Tevez despite David Silva missing a penalty earlier it seemed that normal service would be resumed but when Southampton brought on Ricky Lambert the whole team just galvanised around him. It seemed his stage as he struck home with almost his first touch and when Rangers import Steven Davis struck home there seemed an element of suprise around Manchester. Eden Dzeko proved he is the go to man when it comes to equalizing goals and Samir Nasri hitting the winner with 10 minutes to go really is the stuff of champions but they were given a mighty shock on day one which could be the perfect antidote to their season. In addition a terrible looking injury to Sergio Aguero after an innocuous challenge by Nathaniel Clyne took the striker off and after 10 minutes their hero in May was carried off on a stretcher. Best wishes to the Argentine, hope he makes a speedy recovery and well done to Southampton who played their part in a spectacular opening weekend.

Everton V Manchester United

  

To Be Continued......

Is Possession Really Important?

If you have the ball then your opponent can't hurt you right? wrong!. Having the majority of possession means you are most likely to have more chances and win matches but that's not always the case and here's why. Swansea's possession statistics are astounding their average possession last season was 57% which means they had to dominate most games home and away. The amount of passes made in open play comes up to 20791 which is just short of Man City's total of 20864 but well ahead of the rest of the so called top 6 as it is now.

The main difference as you can see above is the stat underneath Total Open Play Passes which is % Forward which illustrates that whilst Swansea had plenty of the ball it was essentially worthless because it didn't head forward and that unfortunately is where the goals are to be had. When Newcastle came down here and let us have the majority of the ball and still came away 2-0 winners is a clear ethos of that problem. It may not look like that much of a percentage but during the season it really is important. Much had been made of Swansea's style of football but it counts for nothing if 3 points are not on the menu at the end of the day.

Their OPP completion as illustrated here is up there with all the top clubs and it shows that they can retain the ball better than anyone else to a certain degree. The slight problem is that passing sideways and backwards isn't ideal if you're in need of a goal there needs to be more penetration which doesn't mean the long ball theory because that would be abandoning all beliefs. I think the most alarming fact here is that Swansea had well over the lowest amount of shots compared to the top 6 with 335 almost a few hundred under the rest which shows lack of penetration or an earlier ball forward was really needed with Swansea only claiming one goal on the break last season v Fulham away and that was one of the few times when Swansea were clear and precise with possession. Conversation of chances rate at 13% is decent for the amount of chances created but still not good enough to really compete and that has to be changed this season with the likes of Michu, De Guzman and co. 

Ways To Succeed

Crossing

Perhaps Swansea need to put the ball in the box more as in some early crosses or quickfire ones across the floor to really unsettle the opposition. Only Fulham and Bolton achieved less open play crosses last season and look what happened to the latter. Swansea's measly 550 crosses which over the season is really poor, Bolton again had the lowest cross accuracy with 17% which is less than Swansea's 18% illustrates that although Swansea keep it on the floor there needs to be more crosses put into the box because Euro 2012 proved that balls into the boxes can really unsettle an opponent and force them into mistakes. Much of Norwich's goals came from crosses and they had the highest percentage in 25% which resulted in their lofty position so if there was a way that Swansea could combine both you would think it's a straightforward season. 

Open Play Goals

Swansea finished last season with the 7th highest open play goal scoring statstics conveniently behind the top 6 where were a few more goals higher which illustrates that Swansea need more goals this season. The expected sides are at the bottom with Blackburn, Stoke and even Liverpool are there with 14,19 and 24. Manchester City had the most shots in the box last season and well the Premier League came that way which is not to say that Swansea could win the league if they start pumping shots at goal but you get the idea.

Man City had 452 shots compared to Swansea's 252 almost 200 less which is not only vital to important goals but also the more chances you create it's obvious you are at least going to score a few. In addition to this Swansea weren't really getting headers in the box particularly at goal with only 56 headers at goal which over 38 games is poor at best although since Swansea are a passing side you can see that headers aren't really a prerogative because Man City's statistics are around the same level. I think this area summarizes the fact that if Swansea were to cross it needs to be accurate and precise because without that physical presence in the box it's hard to manage.

It's key to remember that sides such as Swansea, Man City, Barcelona and possession based sides play to their strengths and these are not on of them although unlike the latter two Swansea possess a lower chance creation stat which surely has to be addressed.

Move The Ball Quicker?

Swansea had two players last season who were near the top enduring fouls. Scott Sinclair( although might be leaving remember) and Nathan Dyer were key to the Swans success last season and paid dividends for it with Sinclair 63 fouls and Dyer 1 ahead, only 6 other players were fouled more which include Suarez, Moses and Sessegnon. Dyer was fouled almost every 37 mins per game with only Suarez again being brought down on more occasion. Other teams realise that commiting fouls is a clever way to stop the Swans way of playing because it takes them out of their strongest zone which is open play. Crosses into the box as I have already illustrated is not the idea of the side and therefore will not bring in goals from it. Quick freekicks are always essential to the Swans but perhaps an earlier punt into the box to catch the opposition unaware could be an idea?

Gaining Back Possession

Leon Britton finished in 6th in regaining back possession last season alongside Joe Allen and that was key to the Swans success because the pressure that he put on other players won the ball back and allowed us to manipulate possession. Leon didn't head forward that much so his percentage was in his defensive third behind the half way line. Fallaini, Mulumbu and Song of Everton, West Brom and Arsenal respectively all ranked higher and all play in the same position which illustrates how important the role of holding midfielder is to a side. Leon won the ball every 11 minutes per game which is key to the side and if you notice Gareth Barry does it for Man City and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona play the same roles effectively. 

Try Killer Ball More Often?

Swansea's main problem before Gylfi Sigurdsson arrived last season was lacking the penetrative through ball required to reward from. When he arrived you could see that more chances were created but still not enough because it still didn't address the fact that Swansea would aim sideways rather than through which is fine but not perhaps if you are trying to win a game which something Michael Laudrup is keen to address. Juan Mata and David Silva were the top chance creator's last season with 3/2.9 per game created which is more than Swansea average in most games on their own, only Mark Gower was close to that as he was once heralded as the most creative midfielder in Europe which i'm sure he made a huge deal out of.

Swansea and Everton were the only sides with defensive creators with their wingbacks such as Leighton Baines and Neil Taylor and Angel Rangel key to their sides success although both sides use their attacking full backs to great extent. It doesn't matter if you're left footed or right because chances can come from both feet which dis-encourages the idea that right footed players are more creative.

This Graph here clearly illustrates that most chances last season came from the left hand side of midfield although I think Swansea were the only club where the right hand was more evident with Rangel overlapping Dyer there was plenty of attacking force down that side. This is an overall graph from all teams from last season by the way.

If Swansea are going to be more penetrative their are going to have to use more variety from all sides of the pitch whether it be a hopeless long ball from the Centre Backs or a through ball from the holding midfielder something has to give because chances need not only be created but converted as well.

(All statistics and graphs are from http://www.eplindex.com/)

Thanks For Reading
Much Appreciated
D.John