Michael Laudrup
Swansea can continue to rise up the league under the steady tutelage of Laudrup. (Reuters)

Last season

Premier League: 9th

FA Cup: Third Round

League Cup: Winners

Top Scorer: Michu (22)

Summer work

Record signing Wilfried Bony has already shown his lethal touch in Swansea colours in the club's early European outings with a potentially lethal partnership with Michu showing early promise. Now out of the Liverpool spotlight, Jonjo Shelvey could thrive if he is afforded freedom and responsibility in Michael Laudrup's midfield while the Dane's stellar scouting contacts suggest the Spanish trio of Alejandro Pozuelo, Jordi Amat and Jose Alberto Canas will all be useful additions. Retaining the services of Ashley Williams who was hunted by Liverpool and Arsenal could also prove pivotal.

Manager - Michael Laudrup

After losing Joe Allen, Scott Sinclair and Brendan Rodgers last summer, few could have envisaged Laudrup having the instant impact he had. But the Dane has taken to Premier League life with all the grace and flair he so often exhibited as a player. Having already shown himself to be an astute operator in the transfer market, his biggest test this season will be balancing the club's European campaign with domestic matters. His eight signings this summer plus the return of Jonathan de Guzman on loan suggests he's preparing for a long campaign.

Key Player - Michu

Given the arrival of the Eredivisie's top scorer from last season at the Liberty Stadium, the burden of delivering goals for Swansea no longer weighs solely on the shoulders of Michu. Given Bony's direct style of play the Spaniard could be utilised into his favoured position playing off the main striker, a potentially worrying prospect for Premier League defences. Defenders around the country are now wiser to the Spaniard's methods than they were when he seemingly appeared from nowhere last season and his biggest test will now be to prove he can sustain that remarkable form.

Expectations

Comfortably defying expectation last season with their Capital One Cup success, the question of just how far Laudrup can take Swansea will soon be asked. The club have spent with ambition this summer and the arrival of eight new faces suggests they will be looking to maintain a viable challenge both domestically and in Europe. Laudrup's irresistible brand of football combined with their impressive transfer business should ensure the club continue their march up the table.

Prediction

Steady improvement from the Swans is expected as they attempt to balance the demands of European football with the Premier League. 7th.