Everton at Swansea City: Blogger Q&A with SOS

There's a handful of games still to play, and this weekend Everton will be playing only for the pride. Swansea City have never beaten Everton in League play, and only just beat the Blues for the first time ever earlier this season in the Capital One Cup at the Liberty Stadium. Roberto Martinez also started his coaching career at this very stadium, so will he be able to motivate the side to come away with three points?

We chatted with Steven, editor of the excellent Swansea blog SOS Fanzine, a long-time contributor to these Q&A's ahead of this game. Click here to read the reverse Q&A where he asks what went wrong with Everton this season among other questions.

RBM - Swansea City are for once not completely tanking as the football year draws to a close. What's different this season?

SOS - I think the fact we've changed from our usual 4-2-3-1 to at 4-4-2 diamond has kept a lot of players on their toes. Since that change we've won 4 games in 6 so it's worked well even if it isn't as easy on the eye. It's nice to have a plan B though, we haven't had one for about a decade!

RBM - The Swans are closing in on their highest ever points total in the Premier League. Is this the best ever Swans side, or at least the most consistent?

SOS - In terms of since we began our current spell at this level yes it's undoubtedly the best and obviously it was even better before Wilfried Bony left for Manchester City. There's more strength in depth at the club now and nearly all of our signings were an upgrade on those who departed last summer so hats off to the management and scouting team for that.  The team of 1981/2 probably still have to be considered our best as they finished 6th in the old first division but the current crop aren't far behind.

RBM - How is Garry Monk keeping the players motivated? European spots are 8 points away, can Swansea make a late run?

SOS - As I alluded to the change in formation has definitely freshened things up. Plus as far as I'm aware the players are on a bonus if a certain amount for each place we finish so they have the motivation there too. In terms of Europe I'd say it's highly unlikely. We'd probably need 5 wins from 7 at least and a Liverpool v Arsenal cup final but I live in hope. The European trips are great as I'm sure a lot of your fans already know!

RBM - With the season ending soon, what are the areas Monk will look to rebuild/enforce for next season?

SOS - In all honesty we don't need that much providing none of our star men leave. A striker is the obvious area and I'm certain one will come in for a substantial fee. Other than that I mainly see back up players in areas such as goalkeeper, left back and out wide and a few squad players departing.

RBM - Who have been the shining stars of the Swans season? Who would you say is the Player of the Season?

SOS - A lot of players take credit here, Lukasz Fabianski has been outstanding, he commands the box so well and is arguably the signing of the season considering he was a free transfer. Ashley Williams has been a rock as ever, while Gylfi Sigurdsson has largely picked up where he left off from his previous loan spell with us. Player of the year would have to be Ki Sung Yeung though. He's been a revelation and probably our most consistent performer.

RBM - Swansea finally beat Everton in a competitive game, comprehensively in fact, in the League Cup. Can they repeat that result on Saturday?

SOS - Yes it was about time! The fact we'd never win was quite incredible really. I think we can win again, we're in good form, Bafetimbi Gomis has started scoring so why not? Although you're in good form yourselves so I'm more inclined to think it might be a draw. If we lose again I think I'll have to ban myself from Swansea/ Everton games as I missed the League Cup game earlier this year!