In Bob Bradley’s first game at the Liberty Stadium, his side will surely look to play on the front foot against Watford.

He opted to field a team without a recognised striker in his first game as Swansea City manager, against Arsenal last week.

Gylfi Sigurdsson was the furthest player forward, with Leroy Fer occupying the space behind him. However, the system is likely to change for a less challenging test at home to Watford.

The defence

Lukasz Fabianski - Despite keeping just one clean sheet so far this season, Lukasz Fabianski is perceived as Swansea’s best player this campaign, and there’s very little chance he won’t start on Saturday.

Kyle Naughton - Despite his defensive problems, Kyle Naughton has time and time again been the main passing hub of the team. It’s not always ideal for your full-back to be the best passer in the side, but his quality on the ball shouldn’t be ignored.

Swansea's average position and passing network - Arsenal. (Photo: @11tegen11)

Mike van der Hoorn - Without Ashley Williams, Federico Fernandez has looked completely lost in defence this season. On his day, the Argentine is Swansea’s best defender, but recently there has been little reasoning to justify his place in the starting 11. Mike van der Hoorn hasn’t seen a lot of minutes, but in brief spells he has looked comfortable in this Swansea defence.

Jordi Amat - The Spaniard has looked no better than Fernandez, but Jordi Amat has played more gametime alongside van der Hoorn.

Neil Taylor - The Welshman fell out of favour when Francesco Guidolin was in charge, as the Italian opting to use both Stephen Kingsley and Naughton as left full-back over Neil Taylor. He did play his first 90 minutes of the season against Arsenal and will likely continue to feature.

Midfield

Jack Cork - The midfielder’s drop in form this season has been baffling. Jack Cork has never been spectacular in any specific area of his game, but his consistency was what his manager could count on. This season has been a different story, as he deputised as captain his performances slipped. A lack of quality depth could be what keeps him in the starting 11 during this rough patch.

Leon Britton - When Bradley took the Swansea job, he faced an uphill battle getting the fans on his side. Speaking to the board while Guidolin was still manager didn’t go over well with the Swansea faithful, and then being an American manager had negative connotations because of the new Swansea majority owners also being American. He has talked well, and the Supporters Trust released a statement backing him. Starting Leon Britton will always go over well with the fans too.

Leroy Fer - One of the three midfielders may be left out, to accommodate another winger or striker. It’s difficult to predict Bradley’s system after just one game, but leaving out Leroy Fer would be a mistake.

Forwards

Modou Barrow - After scorching one of the better full-backs in the Premier League in Nacho Monreal last week, Bradley would be foolish not to start Modou Barrow in this game. He wasn’t able to finish the game after Granit Xhaka’s poor challenge on the winger, but Bradley revealed he’s fit for this weekend’s game.

Borja BastonFernando Llorente is fit again, but after scoring off the bench last week, it’s time to start Borja Baston. Bradley opted against starting a striker against Arsenal, but at home to a weaker side in Watford, a striker is needed if Swansea want to play on the front foot.

Gylfi Sigurdsson - Accommodating Sigurdsson and three centre-midfielders in the same side is difficult. Bradley resolved this issue last week by moving Sigurdsson into a more advanced role, but this can’t be accomplished if another striker is to come into the fold. The only other solution would be to take Wayne Routledge out of the starting 11. The winger himself has been in poor form this campaign, so a spell on the sidelines could jumpstart his season. 

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About the author
Jack Mceachen
Sports Journalist in Staffordshire University.