Swansea 2016/17 season preview: Five questions
Tuesday 9 August 2016 13:59, UK
As we preview the new Premier League season, we pick out five questions for Swansea.
What have they done in the transfer market?
It had been a low-key summer for Swansea until last season's top scorer Andre Ayew joined West Ham and captain Ashley Williams had a medical at Everton.
That could put onus on new signing from Ajax, Mike Van der Hoorn, to step up in defence, while Spanish duo Borja Baston and Fernando Llorente will offer something different up front. In addition, Leroy Fer has arrived to bolster the midfield options and Nathan Dyer is back from his season on loan at Leicester.
What does the manager say?
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Speaking after Swansea's win over Stade Rennais, Francesco Guidolin said: "I am optimistic. I am confident. We are doing well in training sessions and working hard. Normally in pre-season I prefer to play well and lose all the games, because that's better for the character going into the first league game. We have won, but I am happy."
What's the pundit verdict?
I would be surprised if there's more than three points between Swansea, Watford and West Brom at the end of the season.
Paul Merson says: "I have put Swansea - who I think will finish 15th - Watford and West Brom to finish in the bottom six and all three of them could finish in the bottom three. I would be surprised if there's more than three points between those sides at the end of the season."
What's your prediction?
Swansea are 1000/1 with Sky Bet to lift the Premier League title and are available at 80/1 to finish in the top four. The Swans are even 100/30 just to finish in the top half of the table this season. They are 7/2 shots to be relegated.
