Twitter: @red_cafe
Back by very popular demand is the return of Ask The Opposition. Our segment where we ask fans of opposing teams forums some questions and post a selection of the responses back on here.
In our next domestic game, we'll be playing Sunderland and asking them some questions. If you've got anything to contribute, feel free to PM me or tweet the RedCafe account.
I've asked questions to Swansea City fans on Planet Swans and here are their responses. Thanks to some newbie users for providing some of the questions (they have been credited):
Q1: How do you feel about Manchester United under van Gaal compared to Moyes? (question suggested by IgnorantLobster)
QuakerJack: You'll be far far better under Van Gaal, Moyes just was out of his depth. Van Gaal is a brilliant tactician, without the CL you'll be top four easy, maybe even top two.
JackoBoostardo: Moyes was an understated genius. He simply wanted to provide Man Utd more of a challenge than what you're normally used to.
Swansea93: Moyes was a great manager for Everton working within budgets and getting a stable finish most seasons, United was a step to far for him and Van Gaal is just a world class manager, I think he will get the respect off the players that Moyes did not get.
Glyn1: Van Gaal will get the respect from the players that they weren’t prepared to give to Moyes, and no-one can argue with his record. But everyone knows that you should have gotten Mourinho last year.
phact0rri: I think its a much needed change, and seems to be a rejuvinated squad. Can't wait to see how they do against some real opposition
waynekerr55: a traffic cone would have been a better option than Moyes. The urban myth about him working to a "budget" at Everton was well trotted out but false. One of the lads at Wealdstone played with Nick Powell at Crewe and asked him about Moyes, and he told him that it was embarrassing how bad things were
Q2: Do you think Manchester United will make top four this season or will they fall short?
trampie: Utd to finish 4th behind Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
JackoBoostardo: I think you'll make top four. Afterall, it normally is the richest teams who "earn" their position through sheer money and buying the best, to the detriment of the smaller clubs who have earned their positions through playing on a shoestring budget - the hard way.
Swansea93: I feel that Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Liverpool are to strong for United to make top four this season coming.
Glyn1: You’ll finish 3rd or 4th, which should be considered a creditable achievement given the amount of reconstruction you are going through.
phact0rri: I think there's weakness on the back and it appears the defence is quite fragile on the counter attack. so I don't think they will get in line this season. I think they will fair better than last season though.
waynekerr55: maybe - you have the manager who actually understands that football is about using the ball and not running players until they are sick, and no Europe will help
Q3: What are your thoughts on Rooney being named Manchester United captain?
skippyjack: Well a smoking... prostitute lothario.. isn't the best of role models.. but it's football after all ain't it.. it isn't real
trampie: One way of trying to keep Rooney at the club is to give him the armband.
JackoBoostardo: From memory, didn't everyone follow shrek in the movies too? No different then. Overrated player in my opinion that doesn't justify his pay packet.
Swansea93: Surprised, I thought Van Persie would get the nod. I think Rooney will be a good captain.
phact0rri: I think VG did so he'd not look to be playing favourites. I find it more of a political choice than the one he wanted to make.
waynekerr55: surprised, for me although still a very very good player he's past his peak and not worth the 300k contract that Frank Spencer handed him last year
Q4: What do you think of Garry Monk as a manager? His strengths/weaknesses? (question suggested by SilentWitness)
QuakerJack: I don't agree with the appointment. He doesn't have the tactical ability of our last few managers, going back to Martinez. I'm behind him 100% and his signings have been good (assuming Fernández comes off).
trampie: I wouldn't have given Monk the job because of his managerial inexperience, but obviously hope he comes off and I give him my full support unless results dictate otherwise.
JackoBoostardo: Good call. Strength - He knows and loves the club after a very long history here. Weaknesses - lack of managerial experience. If he can continue making the players 'play for pride' then he is going to be potentially our best ever manager. Time will tell.
Swansea93: Well it was no surprise really, he lives and breathes Swansea he respects everyone involved with the club and the same as anyone someone has to start somewhere so time will tell. He kept us up last season in what was a difficult period for us especially with a rookie boss coming in he done brilliantly well and deserved to get the job full time on that basis in my opinion. Strengths would be attacking and weaknesses would probably be the defending set pieces.
Glyn1: Too early to tell about his strengths and weaknesses but giving any Premier League club to a first-time manager is a heck of a gamble. There’s a lot of affection for GM because of his history with us so he’ll be fully supported.
phact0rri: I think he's a hard worker, and isn't afraid to ask questions of his support staff and other Premiere managers. He is not afraid to try new things, and bangs on the right doors. He also tends to ask a lot of the players.
For weaknesses his inexperience is the elephant in the room. Though I think he suffers from asking to many questions and trying to reinvent the wheel as apposed to doing what works. It should be an interesting season.
Q5: What do you think of how well Brendan Rodgers has done since leaving Swansea and had he stayed do you think he would have got Swansea further up the table? (question suggested by shadowcat)
QuakerJack: Yes, we may not have won the cup under him but I think we'd be solid top 8 consistently with him, very good manager. On a personal level, he's a dirty snake and you wouldn't trust him. He's doing an excellent job with your mates down the road, I don't give two hoots whether he fails or falters, my initial desire to see him nosedive has gone.
skippyjack: Well he's put a known multi million pound world wide brand back into the top 4.. average so far.
trampie: Rodgers has done ok, he would not have got the Swans any higher up the league.
Swansea93: He has done brilliantly aint he? what a story for him from failing badly with Reading to Swansea giving him another chance then to take over one of the biggest clubs in the world and getting Champions League football back there and coming a whisker away from winning the title.
Always respect what he has done for the club, even though some of the crap he has said he should always be respected by everyone for getting us to the Premier League.
Glyn1: Brendan has done a great job with the Scousers but realistically he wouldn’t have got us any higher than the 8th to 12th spots that seem to be our natural position in the league.
phact0rri: I don't know if he would have pushed Swansea all that much forwards, he's made some decisions at liverpool that leave a bit to be desired, and if done to a smaller club like Swansea City it could have hurt a lot more. But I'm glad of his successes, as he's a great manager, pushes hard tries approaches that are unorthadox and has always came across as a humble bloke. So good on him.
Q6: What's the story with getting rid of Chico and how are you going to be set up in defence this season in the absence of him and Ben Davies who went to Tottenham? (question suggested by Blzbud)
QuakerJack: The Spanish contingent came to play for Laudrup, once he went they just didn't want to stay and if that's how he feels I'm glad he's gone. If we sign Fernández then Chico will soon be forgotten about. I was sorry to lose Ben, but if it meant not getting Gylfi then I'm glad the deal was done. Taylor is an ample replacement (some would argue better).
skippyjack: Chico likes the life of money and hysterics.. well we'll set up as a back four I hope... with a replacement
trampie: Chico was inconsistent, he could be very good or he could be a liability at times [I wish him well], Swans will need to replace him with quality. Davies came into the team when Taylor got injured, Taylor having done well in the Premier League previously, Swans hope Taylor can get back to where he was [best of luck to Ben, hope he comes back to Swansea one day].
JackoBoostardo: Chico is one of Laudrups players - which means by default he will be subject to Beyram Tutumlu sticking his c*nty beak in our business. He was a good defender - not the best, but he was there when we needed it. He's gone, and we move on.
Swansea93: Chico Chico Chico, very passionate defender which sometimes made him look a fool with his rash and play acting, it was nice to have a character at the club and I for one was sorry to see him go, although Qatar is his luxury lifestyle he craves.
With Fernandez on the verge of signing I feel we are a RB short of a very good defence next season.
Davies done brilliant from stepping up from nowhere and we have got to praise Laudrup for giving him the chance, sad to see him leave so soon, but to get Siggy in return is a good bit of business considering we still have Taylor and the promising Kingsley.
Glyn1: Great memories from our Europa League campaign. In the league we flirted with the relegation zone but were never really in danger of going down.
phact0rri: With Chico, there isn't a story so much as an oppertunity for his career. We made a profit on the transfer and though its a bitter sweet, 'hope for the best' as I was keen on him I think we'll be looking forwards. Same with Ben Davies, his transfer to Tottenham seems great for him, and I wish him all the best, except when we go head to head. we can hope to add new depth to our squad by bringing on new players who are above the quality of last seasons defence. Were already seeing some of that come together. The Squad as whole is starting to formulate, and I can't help but be optimistic despite the negativity regarding so many first-team players leaving this window.
Q7: How do you feel your team did last season?
Oldjack: Once Monk took over the team was transformed, Mike was sleep walking us into relegation he had to go
QuakerJack: Well, all things considered. That Europa league is a pain, 3-0 wins in the mestalla aside.
JackoBoostardo: Capable of a lot better. A LOT better. But you then have to appreciate the upheaval as a result of Laudrup no longer giving a hoot, and subsequently being sacked. Also, it was our first foray into the Europa league which, on a small squad, did take its toll.
Swansea93: From Jamie Redknapp tipping us for 4th last season to a relegation battle, thats the Premiership eh?
Considering the difficult Europa campaign with the injuries and small squad and the upheaval when Laudrup left, we done very well to finish 11th
Glyn1: Great memories from our Europa League campaign. In the league we flirted with the relegation zone but were never really in danger of going down.
phact0rri: Though we ended up as not having a bad season, as far as averages go and table ranking it felt that we could have done a lot better than we did. we had a rough go of the midseason.. but with the help of Monk and some kind fixtures we righted the ship and I think we came out of the season not to bad.
Q8: How has your team fared during preseason? Anything that might particularly be different from how you played last season?
QuakerJack: Well our trademark passing seems to have gone, not sure what Garry "I know this club better than anyone" Monk is up to, but we were punting it against Villareal last week.
trampie: An average pre-season results wise, but having followed football over the years that can be a godsend, teams that win their pre-season matches often flop when the regular season starts and teams that are average in pre-season often hit the ground running.
JackoBoostardo: No particular concerns. Pretty excited to see our new team in Premier League action actually - especially with Gomis and Bony up front with very quick wings and solid mid. Should put the shits up most teams to be fair.
Swansea93: Pre season is pre season, you can't read to much into the results, obviously people will but it's looking like we are going very attacking and abit more long balls.
Glyn1: In our last friendly, at home to Villareal, the manager tried to play Bony and our new striker Gomis together in a 4-4-2 formation. It was disastrous, so expect us to revert to a lone striker on Saturday.
phact0rri: Its really hard to say. From the looks of things it looked like every preseason match was an experiment, and a change of players and sorting and trying out things. So its really hard to tell but I fear the 2-4-4 going into the season.
Q9: How do you rate your teams prospects for the coming season, and what young player or new signing should we look out for? (question suggested by red_hatz)
trampie: I wouldn't say there will be a young player to look out for but two new signings that hopefully will be good this season, could be Siggy and Gomis.
JackoBoostardo: You should be looking out for Montero - lightning fast. But then I could say you need to look out for most of our team - as all are capable of upsetting the opposition.
Swansea93: Young Player I think will be Fulton, I think he's Britton's replacement in the future.
New signing (s) I think Gomis will get a lot of goals for us this season, and Montero is going to be whizzing is way down that byline and terrifying some of the leagues defences.
Glyn1: We’ll finish comfortably in mid-table. He’s not a new signing but he’s still only 22 so look out for former Liverpool player Jon-Jo Shelvey on Saturday. He’s becoming indispensable to our line-up, and like all of our midfielders he has the ability to score goals.
phact0rri: I'm keen to see us have a healthy season. I want to see a new depth that on paper it looks like we have. I'd like to see more flank attacking and a nice relay at midfield showing what it looks like we can do. As for new signings there's a lot of new quality thats come in. Jefferson Montenero, a returning Gylfi, and Gomis all look particularly interesting.
swanduck: I think we will finish mid table again, top 10 would be fantastic but avoiding relegation is enough for me, would be great to have another cup run as well. Montero and Gylfi are the obvious players to look out for, also Gomis.
Q10: How well do you think your team has done in the transfer market this summer, and what other possible signings would you like to see before the window closes?
QuakerJack: Chuffed with Gylfi. As mentioned, we need to sort Fernández soon, after that we need 3 more (RB, CB and CDM). And we MUST keep the Wilf of Wind Street.
skippyjack: we've done alright like.. wouldn't mind a CB and DM.. we've apparently been after for months.
trampie: I expect a new quality centre half to come in to replace Chico, Swans linked with an Argentine international playing in Serie 'A', he will do.
JackoBoostardo: Swansea have done very well. Only spending 16 million so far. As usual, Swansea find the talent on a (Premier League) shoestring budget, while all other 'rich' teams just poach from the clubs like Swansea. For instance, Liverpool scabs trying to unrest Bony.
phact0rri: We've done quite well as far as prospects go. I'd like to see Fredrico Fernandez come through as well as a left back like the french lad who is supposed to be great in wide left or right. A new holding midfielder to ironing it all out would be fantastic. we'll see how things go.
swanduck: I think Fabianski and Gomis on frees were great pieces of business, pleased wit. Montero and Gylfi too. Disappointed to lose so many players but hopefully any bad eggs are now out of the club and there will be a better atmosphere. Still hoping for a couple more signings before the window closes, Fernandez would be a goo tart if that deal comes off
Q11: Which XI would you like to see your team field against us?
QuakerJack: Fabianski; Rangel, Ash, Amat, Taylor, Montero, Ki, Jonjo, Routledge, Gylfi, Wilf.
trampie: Fab/Rangel-Williams-Amat-Taylor/Ki-Shelvey-Dyer-Siggy-Montero/Bony.
I would like to see the Swans play just 3 at the back like LVG does as our strength seems to be in more forward positions this season and it will enable us start with Bony and Gomis, but we haven't practised 3 at the back in pre-season games so that formation won't be seen at Old Trafford.
JackoBoostardo:
---------------- Fabianski, -----------------
Rangel, Williams, Taylor, Fernandez,
Dyer, Siggurdson, Britton, Montero,
--------------- Bony, Gomis --------------- (would have wingers working in an advanced pos).
Swansea93: Fabianksi Rangel Williams Bartley Taylor Ki Shelvey Siggy Routledge Montero Bony
phact0rri:
---------------- Fabianski, -----------------
Rangel, Williams, Taylor, Bartley
Briton
Gomis, Shelvey, Siggurdson, Montero,
--------------- Bony ---------------
Q12: Finally, your predictions for the match?
QuakerJack: You'll win. Not confident. Van Gaal's first home game, according to the script, we won't win... But then we nearly tore that up at Fergie's last game,so who knows.
skippyjack: 2-0 defeat if we turn up.. 4-0 defeat if we're bad.. 6-0 if we play 442
trampie: 1-3 to Swansea City, it can easily be a big score the other way, both teams weaknesses could be at the back and whoever takes their chances could win a shoot out of a game, Siggy and Bony with Gomis to come on against Blackett, Smalling and Jones = advantage Swans, they reckon no RVP the other end that would be good news for the Swans, Utd will be quite rightly favourites to win and win by even more than a goal perhaps but the Swans have a live chance in this match up at this particular point in time, so obviously i'm taking the Swans to do it.
JackoBoostardo: 1 -1 (hopefully 1-2)
Swansea93: 1-2 I am feeling confident, well I always do when we play in the hope we can get 3 points.
Glyn1: Both sides are better attacking than defending, so I’m expecting a 5-goal thriller with both teams scoring: 4-1 to you, or 2-3 to us with Jon-Jo scoring a wonder goal.
In our next domestic game, we'll be playing Sunderland and asking them some questions. If you've got anything to contribute, feel free to PM me or tweet the RedCafe account.
I've asked questions to Swansea City fans on Planet Swans and here are their responses. Thanks to some newbie users for providing some of the questions (they have been credited):
Q1: How do you feel about Manchester United under van Gaal compared to Moyes? (question suggested by IgnorantLobster)
QuakerJack: You'll be far far better under Van Gaal, Moyes just was out of his depth. Van Gaal is a brilliant tactician, without the CL you'll be top four easy, maybe even top two.
JackoBoostardo: Moyes was an understated genius. He simply wanted to provide Man Utd more of a challenge than what you're normally used to.
Swansea93: Moyes was a great manager for Everton working within budgets and getting a stable finish most seasons, United was a step to far for him and Van Gaal is just a world class manager, I think he will get the respect off the players that Moyes did not get.
Glyn1: Van Gaal will get the respect from the players that they weren’t prepared to give to Moyes, and no-one can argue with his record. But everyone knows that you should have gotten Mourinho last year.
phact0rri: I think its a much needed change, and seems to be a rejuvinated squad. Can't wait to see how they do against some real opposition
waynekerr55: a traffic cone would have been a better option than Moyes. The urban myth about him working to a "budget" at Everton was well trotted out but false. One of the lads at Wealdstone played with Nick Powell at Crewe and asked him about Moyes, and he told him that it was embarrassing how bad things were
Q2: Do you think Manchester United will make top four this season or will they fall short?
trampie: Utd to finish 4th behind Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
JackoBoostardo: I think you'll make top four. Afterall, it normally is the richest teams who "earn" their position through sheer money and buying the best, to the detriment of the smaller clubs who have earned their positions through playing on a shoestring budget - the hard way.
Swansea93: I feel that Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Liverpool are to strong for United to make top four this season coming.
Glyn1: You’ll finish 3rd or 4th, which should be considered a creditable achievement given the amount of reconstruction you are going through.
phact0rri: I think there's weakness on the back and it appears the defence is quite fragile on the counter attack. so I don't think they will get in line this season. I think they will fair better than last season though.
waynekerr55: maybe - you have the manager who actually understands that football is about using the ball and not running players until they are sick, and no Europe will help
Q3: What are your thoughts on Rooney being named Manchester United captain?
skippyjack: Well a smoking... prostitute lothario.. isn't the best of role models.. but it's football after all ain't it.. it isn't real
trampie: One way of trying to keep Rooney at the club is to give him the armband.
JackoBoostardo: From memory, didn't everyone follow shrek in the movies too? No different then. Overrated player in my opinion that doesn't justify his pay packet.
Swansea93: Surprised, I thought Van Persie would get the nod. I think Rooney will be a good captain.
phact0rri: I think VG did so he'd not look to be playing favourites. I find it more of a political choice than the one he wanted to make.
waynekerr55: surprised, for me although still a very very good player he's past his peak and not worth the 300k contract that Frank Spencer handed him last year
Q4: What do you think of Garry Monk as a manager? His strengths/weaknesses? (question suggested by SilentWitness)
QuakerJack: I don't agree with the appointment. He doesn't have the tactical ability of our last few managers, going back to Martinez. I'm behind him 100% and his signings have been good (assuming Fernández comes off).
trampie: I wouldn't have given Monk the job because of his managerial inexperience, but obviously hope he comes off and I give him my full support unless results dictate otherwise.
JackoBoostardo: Good call. Strength - He knows and loves the club after a very long history here. Weaknesses - lack of managerial experience. If he can continue making the players 'play for pride' then he is going to be potentially our best ever manager. Time will tell.
Swansea93: Well it was no surprise really, he lives and breathes Swansea he respects everyone involved with the club and the same as anyone someone has to start somewhere so time will tell. He kept us up last season in what was a difficult period for us especially with a rookie boss coming in he done brilliantly well and deserved to get the job full time on that basis in my opinion. Strengths would be attacking and weaknesses would probably be the defending set pieces.
Glyn1: Too early to tell about his strengths and weaknesses but giving any Premier League club to a first-time manager is a heck of a gamble. There’s a lot of affection for GM because of his history with us so he’ll be fully supported.
phact0rri: I think he's a hard worker, and isn't afraid to ask questions of his support staff and other Premiere managers. He is not afraid to try new things, and bangs on the right doors. He also tends to ask a lot of the players.
For weaknesses his inexperience is the elephant in the room. Though I think he suffers from asking to many questions and trying to reinvent the wheel as apposed to doing what works. It should be an interesting season.
Q5: What do you think of how well Brendan Rodgers has done since leaving Swansea and had he stayed do you think he would have got Swansea further up the table? (question suggested by shadowcat)
QuakerJack: Yes, we may not have won the cup under him but I think we'd be solid top 8 consistently with him, very good manager. On a personal level, he's a dirty snake and you wouldn't trust him. He's doing an excellent job with your mates down the road, I don't give two hoots whether he fails or falters, my initial desire to see him nosedive has gone.
skippyjack: Well he's put a known multi million pound world wide brand back into the top 4.. average so far.
trampie: Rodgers has done ok, he would not have got the Swans any higher up the league.
Swansea93: He has done brilliantly aint he? what a story for him from failing badly with Reading to Swansea giving him another chance then to take over one of the biggest clubs in the world and getting Champions League football back there and coming a whisker away from winning the title.
Always respect what he has done for the club, even though some of the crap he has said he should always be respected by everyone for getting us to the Premier League.
Glyn1: Brendan has done a great job with the Scousers but realistically he wouldn’t have got us any higher than the 8th to 12th spots that seem to be our natural position in the league.
phact0rri: I don't know if he would have pushed Swansea all that much forwards, he's made some decisions at liverpool that leave a bit to be desired, and if done to a smaller club like Swansea City it could have hurt a lot more. But I'm glad of his successes, as he's a great manager, pushes hard tries approaches that are unorthadox and has always came across as a humble bloke. So good on him.
Q6: What's the story with getting rid of Chico and how are you going to be set up in defence this season in the absence of him and Ben Davies who went to Tottenham? (question suggested by Blzbud)
QuakerJack: The Spanish contingent came to play for Laudrup, once he went they just didn't want to stay and if that's how he feels I'm glad he's gone. If we sign Fernández then Chico will soon be forgotten about. I was sorry to lose Ben, but if it meant not getting Gylfi then I'm glad the deal was done. Taylor is an ample replacement (some would argue better).
skippyjack: Chico likes the life of money and hysterics.. well we'll set up as a back four I hope... with a replacement
trampie: Chico was inconsistent, he could be very good or he could be a liability at times [I wish him well], Swans will need to replace him with quality. Davies came into the team when Taylor got injured, Taylor having done well in the Premier League previously, Swans hope Taylor can get back to where he was [best of luck to Ben, hope he comes back to Swansea one day].
JackoBoostardo: Chico is one of Laudrups players - which means by default he will be subject to Beyram Tutumlu sticking his c*nty beak in our business. He was a good defender - not the best, but he was there when we needed it. He's gone, and we move on.
Swansea93: Chico Chico Chico, very passionate defender which sometimes made him look a fool with his rash and play acting, it was nice to have a character at the club and I for one was sorry to see him go, although Qatar is his luxury lifestyle he craves.
With Fernandez on the verge of signing I feel we are a RB short of a very good defence next season.
Davies done brilliant from stepping up from nowhere and we have got to praise Laudrup for giving him the chance, sad to see him leave so soon, but to get Siggy in return is a good bit of business considering we still have Taylor and the promising Kingsley.
Glyn1: Great memories from our Europa League campaign. In the league we flirted with the relegation zone but were never really in danger of going down.
phact0rri: With Chico, there isn't a story so much as an oppertunity for his career. We made a profit on the transfer and though its a bitter sweet, 'hope for the best' as I was keen on him I think we'll be looking forwards. Same with Ben Davies, his transfer to Tottenham seems great for him, and I wish him all the best, except when we go head to head. we can hope to add new depth to our squad by bringing on new players who are above the quality of last seasons defence. Were already seeing some of that come together. The Squad as whole is starting to formulate, and I can't help but be optimistic despite the negativity regarding so many first-team players leaving this window.
Q7: How do you feel your team did last season?
Oldjack: Once Monk took over the team was transformed, Mike was sleep walking us into relegation he had to go
QuakerJack: Well, all things considered. That Europa league is a pain, 3-0 wins in the mestalla aside.
JackoBoostardo: Capable of a lot better. A LOT better. But you then have to appreciate the upheaval as a result of Laudrup no longer giving a hoot, and subsequently being sacked. Also, it was our first foray into the Europa league which, on a small squad, did take its toll.
Swansea93: From Jamie Redknapp tipping us for 4th last season to a relegation battle, thats the Premiership eh?
Considering the difficult Europa campaign with the injuries and small squad and the upheaval when Laudrup left, we done very well to finish 11th
Glyn1: Great memories from our Europa League campaign. In the league we flirted with the relegation zone but were never really in danger of going down.
phact0rri: Though we ended up as not having a bad season, as far as averages go and table ranking it felt that we could have done a lot better than we did. we had a rough go of the midseason.. but with the help of Monk and some kind fixtures we righted the ship and I think we came out of the season not to bad.
Q8: How has your team fared during preseason? Anything that might particularly be different from how you played last season?
QuakerJack: Well our trademark passing seems to have gone, not sure what Garry "I know this club better than anyone" Monk is up to, but we were punting it against Villareal last week.
trampie: An average pre-season results wise, but having followed football over the years that can be a godsend, teams that win their pre-season matches often flop when the regular season starts and teams that are average in pre-season often hit the ground running.
JackoBoostardo: No particular concerns. Pretty excited to see our new team in Premier League action actually - especially with Gomis and Bony up front with very quick wings and solid mid. Should put the shits up most teams to be fair.
Swansea93: Pre season is pre season, you can't read to much into the results, obviously people will but it's looking like we are going very attacking and abit more long balls.
Glyn1: In our last friendly, at home to Villareal, the manager tried to play Bony and our new striker Gomis together in a 4-4-2 formation. It was disastrous, so expect us to revert to a lone striker on Saturday.
phact0rri: Its really hard to say. From the looks of things it looked like every preseason match was an experiment, and a change of players and sorting and trying out things. So its really hard to tell but I fear the 2-4-4 going into the season.
Q9: How do you rate your teams prospects for the coming season, and what young player or new signing should we look out for? (question suggested by red_hatz)
trampie: I wouldn't say there will be a young player to look out for but two new signings that hopefully will be good this season, could be Siggy and Gomis.
JackoBoostardo: You should be looking out for Montero - lightning fast. But then I could say you need to look out for most of our team - as all are capable of upsetting the opposition.
Swansea93: Young Player I think will be Fulton, I think he's Britton's replacement in the future.
New signing (s) I think Gomis will get a lot of goals for us this season, and Montero is going to be whizzing is way down that byline and terrifying some of the leagues defences.
Glyn1: We’ll finish comfortably in mid-table. He’s not a new signing but he’s still only 22 so look out for former Liverpool player Jon-Jo Shelvey on Saturday. He’s becoming indispensable to our line-up, and like all of our midfielders he has the ability to score goals.
phact0rri: I'm keen to see us have a healthy season. I want to see a new depth that on paper it looks like we have. I'd like to see more flank attacking and a nice relay at midfield showing what it looks like we can do. As for new signings there's a lot of new quality thats come in. Jefferson Montenero, a returning Gylfi, and Gomis all look particularly interesting.
swanduck: I think we will finish mid table again, top 10 would be fantastic but avoiding relegation is enough for me, would be great to have another cup run as well. Montero and Gylfi are the obvious players to look out for, also Gomis.
Q10: How well do you think your team has done in the transfer market this summer, and what other possible signings would you like to see before the window closes?
QuakerJack: Chuffed with Gylfi. As mentioned, we need to sort Fernández soon, after that we need 3 more (RB, CB and CDM). And we MUST keep the Wilf of Wind Street.
skippyjack: we've done alright like.. wouldn't mind a CB and DM.. we've apparently been after for months.
trampie: I expect a new quality centre half to come in to replace Chico, Swans linked with an Argentine international playing in Serie 'A', he will do.
JackoBoostardo: Swansea have done very well. Only spending 16 million so far. As usual, Swansea find the talent on a (Premier League) shoestring budget, while all other 'rich' teams just poach from the clubs like Swansea. For instance, Liverpool scabs trying to unrest Bony.
phact0rri: We've done quite well as far as prospects go. I'd like to see Fredrico Fernandez come through as well as a left back like the french lad who is supposed to be great in wide left or right. A new holding midfielder to ironing it all out would be fantastic. we'll see how things go.
swanduck: I think Fabianski and Gomis on frees were great pieces of business, pleased wit. Montero and Gylfi too. Disappointed to lose so many players but hopefully any bad eggs are now out of the club and there will be a better atmosphere. Still hoping for a couple more signings before the window closes, Fernandez would be a goo tart if that deal comes off
Q11: Which XI would you like to see your team field against us?
QuakerJack: Fabianski; Rangel, Ash, Amat, Taylor, Montero, Ki, Jonjo, Routledge, Gylfi, Wilf.
trampie: Fab/Rangel-Williams-Amat-Taylor/Ki-Shelvey-Dyer-Siggy-Montero/Bony.
I would like to see the Swans play just 3 at the back like LVG does as our strength seems to be in more forward positions this season and it will enable us start with Bony and Gomis, but we haven't practised 3 at the back in pre-season games so that formation won't be seen at Old Trafford.
JackoBoostardo:
---------------- Fabianski, -----------------
Rangel, Williams, Taylor, Fernandez,
Dyer, Siggurdson, Britton, Montero,
--------------- Bony, Gomis --------------- (would have wingers working in an advanced pos).
Swansea93: Fabianksi Rangel Williams Bartley Taylor Ki Shelvey Siggy Routledge Montero Bony
phact0rri:
---------------- Fabianski, -----------------
Rangel, Williams, Taylor, Bartley
Briton
Gomis, Shelvey, Siggurdson, Montero,
--------------- Bony ---------------
Q12: Finally, your predictions for the match?
QuakerJack: You'll win. Not confident. Van Gaal's first home game, according to the script, we won't win... But then we nearly tore that up at Fergie's last game,so who knows.
skippyjack: 2-0 defeat if we turn up.. 4-0 defeat if we're bad.. 6-0 if we play 442
trampie: 1-3 to Swansea City, it can easily be a big score the other way, both teams weaknesses could be at the back and whoever takes their chances could win a shoot out of a game, Siggy and Bony with Gomis to come on against Blackett, Smalling and Jones = advantage Swans, they reckon no RVP the other end that would be good news for the Swans, Utd will be quite rightly favourites to win and win by even more than a goal perhaps but the Swans have a live chance in this match up at this particular point in time, so obviously i'm taking the Swans to do it.
JackoBoostardo: 1 -1 (hopefully 1-2)
Swansea93: 1-2 I am feeling confident, well I always do when we play in the hope we can get 3 points.
Glyn1: Both sides are better attacking than defending, so I’m expecting a 5-goal thriller with both teams scoring: 4-1 to you, or 2-3 to us with Jon-Jo scoring a wonder goal.