Swansea Premier League 2014/15 Prediction: Inexperience of Gary Monk is Swans' Biggest Concern

Last season

Premier League: 12th

FA Cup: Third Round

League Cup: Third Round

Top scorer: Wilfried Bony (25)

Summer work

Gary Monk could have pulled off a coup in bringing Bafetimbi Gomis in from French club Lyon on a free transfer. The French striker scored 22 goals last season and joined the Swans on a four year deal. Another shrewd piece of business could prove to be the capture of FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who will replaces Michel Vorm and joined on a free transfer from Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger's attempts to keep the Poland international at the Emirates. Gylfi Sigurdsson's return to the club also seems a good addition for the Welsh side.

Manager – Gary Monk

Gary Monk had been on the periphery of the playing squad when he was suddenly appointed manager in February in the wake of Michael Laudrup's departure. His reign got off to the perfect start with a 3-0 victory over south Wales rivals Cardiff City but that was to be the highlight as only four more victories followed. The 35-year-old managerial novice was handed a three-year deal in May and represents a risk by chairman Huw Jenkins, especially after the success and popularity of Laudrup. But Monk is committed to playing the 'Swansea Way' and instilling unity at the Jacks.

Key Player – Jonjo Shelvey

It is hard to believe Jonjo Shelvey is still only 22 years old after bursting onto the scene six years ago for Charlton. A £1.7m move to Liverpool in 2010 brought him to the attention of the Premier League but the midfielder was deemed surplus to requirement by Brendan Rodgers, who instead placed his faith in Jordan Henderson. The England U-21 international has however thrived at Swansea and has become a lynchpin in the heart of the Liberty Stadium club's midfield with his eye for goal and dogged determination.

Expectations

Much depends on the future of Wilfried Bony. The Ivorian striker scored 25 goals for Swansea last season but has been linked with a £19m move to Liverpool. The onus would then fall upon Bafetimbi Gomis, whose first season in the Premier League does not bring with it the guarantee of instant success. But it is the manager who must raise the most concerns for Swans fans and whose head could be on the chopping block if results are few and far between come Christmas.

Prediction

Safe from relegation, but staring up at last year's Premier League finish. 15th