Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

13. Swansea City

Last Season: 12th Manager: Garry Monk Opening Fixture: Manchester United (a) Transfer Activity: In Michel Vorm, Michu and Ben Davies, Swansea have undoubtedly lost three key players this summer, however they have replaced them with Lukas Fabianski (Arsenal) who arrived on a free transfer, former-player Gylfi Sigurdsson (Tottenham) and promising young left-back Stephen Kingsley (Falkirk). The Swans have also strengthened in the striking department, with Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough) returning to the club and the much-coveted Bafetemi Gomis (Lyon) opting to sign for the Welsh side. Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero (Monarcas Morelia), who was linked with a move to rivals Cardiff last summer, has also joined. Other notable departures from the Liberty Stadium include Leroy Lita, David Ngog, Darnel Situ, Gwion Edwards and Alejandro Pozuelo. Possible Starting XI: Fabianski; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Taylor; Britton, de Guzman, Sigurdsson; Dyer, Hernandez; Bony Key Player: Ashley Williams Verdict: Almost any side in the Premier League would be reluctant to lose a player of Michu's quality, who has signed for Napoli on a season-long loan. However, the Swans proved last season that they are more than capable of competing in the top flight without him, as the Spaniard was injured for most of the campaign. If anything, they are stronger now, given the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson who proved how much of a goal threat he is during his previous spell at the club. The jury is still out on Garry Monk as a manager, who perhaps doesn't have the charisma of a Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers or Michael Laudrup, but what's crucial is that he maintains the passing style of football which Swansea have become renowned for, and if he does that, the Swans should remain clear of the bottom three. Prediction: 13th