Season Preview: Can Clement consolidate a top-flight spot for Swansea?

Previous season 

Three was certainly the magic number for Swansea last season as third manager at the helm Paul Clement managed the south Wales side to safety having flirted with relegation for much of the year. The Swans ended the campaign strongly and Clement will now hope to take that fine end of season form into Saturday’s visit to Saints. With a set system in place and clear idea as to the direction of the club, there’s no reason why they can’t again stave off the drop and consolidate their place in the Premier League. 

Saturday’s visit to Southampton is a tricky one to navigate. Swansea have won only one of their last four trips to the St. Mary’s Stadium and their away from last term was hugely underwhelming to say the least. 

Transfer summary 

Much has been centred on Gylfi Sigurdsson’s long protracted exit from the Liberty Stadium. At the time of writing, the Icelander is a Swansea player, but that is expected to change come the end of August, with Everton leading the race for the 27-year-old. Jack Cork has departed for Burnley and Bafetimbi Gomis has moved to Galatasaray having spent last season on loan with Marseille. Roque Mesa and Erwin Mulder are two permanent captures, but much of the focus is on the loan arrival of Tammy Abraham, who will spend the season with Swansea from parent club Chelsea. 

One to watch - Tammy Abraham 

Fernando Llorente is sidelined for the opening weeks of the campaign, which means Tammy Abraham starts as Swansea’s main frontman. The 19-year-old was in fine form for Bristol City last season, netting 23 goals, a return bettered only by Chris Wood (27), and the teenager has been in good form in pre-season. There are high hopes for the England U21 international at the Liberty Stadium and understandably so. If he can continue his rich goalscoring form in the Premier League, Swansea’s capture of Abraham will look all the more notable with each passing week. 

Predicted finish - 15th 

A five-match unbeaten run, with four wins in the streak, at the end of the season guaranteed Swansea’s top-flight status when all hope looked lost. Clement has means to keep the Swans afloat for another season and they should steer clear of relegation once more.