Garry Monk will take his Swans side to Southampton today expecting a tough test against a Southampton side that many have said are struggling this season following their exploits of last term.

The Saints go into today's game in 16th place in the Premier League although it should always be noted that should they win today by two clear goals they will move above us in the table and we start the day in 7th place.

That 7th place is the position that Southampton finished in last season as they qualified for Europe and threatened to finish higher for large parts of the season.

The European adventure though was over before the Europa League reached the group stages and it has been suggested in several quarters that they are struggling after another summer of a few notable departures from the club.

But that is not something that Garry Monk believes is the case as he explained ahead of the game “I don’t think they’re struggling — I disagree with that.

“Because they started so well last season and flew so high I think, similar to ourselves, expectations are much higher now. You’re expected to win every single game.

“They should be, I understand that because it’s the reality we’ve come up to.

“But the reality in this league is that it’s one of the toughest years you’ll ever have seen.

“Everyone’s fighting and the pressure on every single game is that much higher, you can feel that.

“It’s my job to lessen that and make sure my players enjoy their football. They’re a good group and they’re doing that.

“In terms of Southampton, Europe does play a part in terms of their start to the season, but they’re a good team and a good squad.

“It will be a pretty even game I think in terms of the quality in both squads. I think it will be a pretty even encounter.”

Photo: Action Images

Swansea City Polls