1. Give us your assessment of Swansea’s season so far.
This season has been outstanding. Many tipped us for relegation before the season kicked off, but boy did we prove everyone wrong. Throughout the season we’ve been consistent and played very well. Every player has been superb and Garry Monk is building a very strong Swansea squad, which is very exciting for the future.
2. How has the departure of Wilfried Bony affected the club? Is Bafetimbi Gomis an adequate replacement?
At first, we looked doomed without Bony. After he left, we endured a horrid run of form in which was definitely the worst period of the season. After you lose someone so influential in the side, it’s hard to instantly replace them. Then when Gomis appeared up front, the players had to adapt to a completely different striker which took a while I must admit. But finally we are seeing the 20 goals-a-season Gomis that was at Lyon – after some tremendous performances lately, as well as three goals in the last two games. If Gomis sustains this form, I’m quite positive that he can fill the boots of Bony. Although I’m considerably more optimistic than a majority of Swansea fans.
3. How is Garry Monk getting on? Is he the right man for the job?
Garry Monk has exceeded all expectations in charge of the Swans. Since his appointment in February 2014 he has kept us in the Premier League and led up to a top ten league finish (hopefully). He’s definitely the right man for the job and despite being the youngest manager in the Premier League, he will take us forward as a club. In my opinion Monk should be up there for the manager of the season award.
4. How do you view Everton?
I’ve always liked Everton. They’re always entertaining to watch and have some great players in the ranks. The club has also been run the right way. With a limited budget throughout the last ten years they’ve still managed to achieve a good league position every season and have established themselves as one of the best teams in England.
5. What do you make of our season so far?
I think it’s been very disappointing. You haven’t lived up to expectations after an outstanding campaign in 2013/14. But with European football, it was always going to be harder – physically and mentally. We suffered a lot from the Europa League last season, which resulted in us just scraping past relegation. I could sense that most of the players were fatigued and if you haven’t got a lot of depth in the squad, Europe can be a cruel setback. After we got knocked out in the round of sixteen though, our league form took a huge improvement as has Everton’s. So after two decent wins in the Premier League, I think you can boost yourself up the table but the thinking needs to be for next season now and see what needs to be done to improve.
6. How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I rate Martinez very highly. He is of course a Swansea legend and saved us from dropping out of the football league a decade ago. He was a pivotal part in the rise of the Swansea City and also managed us to the Championship, but departed as Premiership side Wigan snapped him up. This didn’t go down well with many Swansea fans and some still hold a grudge over him, which is wrong. He is a very smart manager and despite a few Evertonians wanted him out, I think he will and should stay. Maybe this season has been a rough patch but with no Europa League next season, I’m sure Martinez will turn things around at Goodison Park.
7. Which 3 Everton players would you take to Swansea given the chance?
Without hesitation, the first Everton player I would bring to Swansea is Leighton Baines. I’m a huge fan of Baines and I think he’s a tremendous player – defensively and offensively. Swansea also need another left back after Neil Taylor’s contract issues are still unresolved so Baines would easily fit the bill. The second player is Ross Barkley. The England international is untouchable on his day and if he converts his raw talent with consistency, he will be one of the best players in the Premier League. Lastly, I’d take Romelu Lukaku. This would probably be the most common answer but Lukaku is an outstanding forward. He’s got the lot – strength, pace, power and finishing. Despite a tough season, the Belgian is still a top player and anyone would be mad not to want him in their team.
8. Which Swans players should Everton be wary of on Saturday?
I think the centre of midfield is our strongest point at the moment. So Ki Sung-Yueng, Jack Cork and Jonjo Shelvey. All three have worked together well in recent weeks, controlling the matches and keeping heaps of possession. Everton will need to pile the pressure on the midfield three to not let them play the ball to Sigurdsson or Gomis.
9. And who will home fans fear in a blue shirt?
Definitely the right sided pair of Seamus Coleman and Aaron Lennon. We always struggle on the left flank with Wayne Routledge being very lazy, defensively. Neil Taylor will have two penetrative players to stop. I don’t think Taylor can handle Coleman and Lennon’s pace, so if you exploit Taylor on the day, you will score goals.
10. Likely Swansa team and score prediction?
I’m pretty sure the Swans team will be exactly the same as it has been for the past month now. Apart from Kyle Naughton who’s out for the season, which forms an opening for Angel Rangel to play right back. We will have the usual midfield three with Ki, Cork and Shelvey and an attacking three of Sigurdsson, Gomis and Routledge who will be likely to rotate. As for the score, I’m going for a 2-1 Swansea win. We are in great form and the confidence seems to be sky high. Also with Gomis breaking through the headlines, I think he can carry on the hard work and capture a goal or two.
