Bartley, Shelvey, Ki & Leon all crucial if the Swans are to overcome the Hammers
Against QPR what was pleasing for me was how much more of a team we looked like. All of our success has been built on a team ethic and so it was pleasing to see us boss the game for ninety mintues. What's more, a look at the possession stats showed as the game went on we took more and more control of proceedings, retaining the ball at length as we pressed for the goal(s) which would ultimately secure us the result.
Key to how we performed was, without doubt, the return of Leon Britton. The reception he got when he left the field to be replaced by Jonjo Shelvey shows how highly he's regarded by Swansea fans, who really appreciate the difference he makes to the team. Leon makes us tick, and his positioning forces others to take up the right positions on the field. With Leon alongside Ki we're going to boss the midfield more often than not, and I firmly expect Monk to retain the two pass-masters at the base of our midfield for West Ham.
At attacking midfield though, Gylfi must surely need a rest. His work rate has been simply phenomenal, and while I'm sure he'd disagree it's almost certain he'd benefit from having a day off on Sunday. Shelvey didn't start against QPR, and I've always said he's more suited to playing in a position similar to Gylfi's, so it makes sense to me to start with a midfield of Leon, Ki & Shelvey. This would still be solid enough to retain possession, while Shelvey has often blossomed in that position, scoring some fine goals along the way - one at Fulham sticks out in my memory in particular.
For the Hammers, Andy Carroll has recently made a return to the team while Noble, Sakho & Alex Song are all returning to fitness, though whether any of the latter trio will feature is uncertain. It's Carroll I'm worried about though - he has a habit of causing us problems. Thankfully - we've got an in-form Kyle Bartley at the back, who should, surely, be more than a match for Carroll in the air. Both like a tussle so I'm sure that'll be an intriguing matchup.
For some time we had a system of dealing with target-men where we'd just drop off, leaving them take the touch but refusing to be dragged out of position as a unit. One centre-back would push up slightly, allowing the attacker room to control the ball - but crucially not getting tight enough to be turned - while the other would sit deeper, sweeping up any flick-ons and covering the space vacated by his partner. I was a massive fan of this, and I think if utilised correctly (against West Ham, and in general) it has the potential to nullify the "chaos factor" a striker like Carroll provides. I can't remember us operating like that since Brendan was here, and I think it's definitely something we could build back in to our system.
With a few days to work on tactics, I'm sure Monk will be drilling Bartley & Ki further on positioning and how to win headers. Bartley has spoken of Monk's influence in this regard, while though Ki hasn't mentioned it his improved technique aerially leads me to believe Monk has been schooling the Korean too. Ki has been awesome in the air in the last few matches, while Bartley has the potential to be essentially unbeatable in the air, such are his physical attributes.
To win, we must achieve certain things. Retain possession - play with Leon & Ki. Offer an attacking link between midfield and attack - Jonjo. Manage the threat posed by Carroll - Bartley & Ash. If we can keep a solid unit at the back, not get dragged out of shape, and manage Andy Carroll effectively we can come away with all three points this weekend.