Premier League Predictions: 15th

We’ve done the bottom 25% of the Premier League now, so the next few teams are the forgotten competitiors; not relegation contenders but not in the top half. Who’s the first of the also-rans?

Team: Swansea

Manager: Gary Monk

After Michael Laudrup decided he couldn’t be bothered with Swansea anymore Monk has done a decent job in galvanising Swansea despite his lack of managerial experience. I think the team he has is decent enough and keeping hold of Bony is job number one for him, because the goals he brings are vital. Solid defence and a skilful midfield will help Monk keep his football first approach a possibility.

Key Player: Wilfried Bony

The striker was linked with a number of other Premier League clubs but the fact the welsh club have kept hold of his is so so important, he looks capable of scoring from almost anywhere. He adds a lot of firepower up front and allows the team to play proper football without panicking too much, because they know they just need to create one chance to grab a goal. If he leaves…it’ll be a long long season that could end in relegation.

Best feature: Good football

Out of all the teams so far, they play genuinely good football. They pass the ball around with confidence and are very good at resisting the temptation to whack it long despite having a very good target man in the form of Bony up front. They aren’t afraid of any other teams but they will want to get on past Manchester United in their opening encounter.

Worst Feature: Mentally fragile