Swansea City are having a rather odd season by their high standards, with the Welsh side showing signs of cracking for the very first time since their arrival in the Premier League.
Garry Monk was given his marching orders in early December and England international Jonjo Shelvey was sold to a relegation rival for £12m.
Francesco Guidolin, seemingly only known to Italians and a select few footballing hipsters, was then tasked with keeping the Swans afloat.
Now, the former Udinese coach is vastly experienced and has somewhat steadied the ship. However, they are not yet out of danger and their decision to appoint the 60-year old could still feasibly backfire.
As mentioned earlier, the decision to ship Shelvey on to Newcastle United, entrenched in the stormy waters of a relegation scrap, was met with surprise. While the 23-year old had been frustratingly inconsistent at the Liberty Stadium, he’s already shown what he can do for his new charges when at his very best.
Things seemed to be taking a turn for the worse when star man Andre Ayew was heavily linked with a move to Sunderland, though the Swans stood firm and kept the Ghanian. That could prove to be more important than any import.
It wasn’t just a tale of sales in Wales, with the likes of (relegation expert) Leroy Fer and Italian striker Alberto Paloschi arriving to bolster the ranks. So, a rather odd couple of months for a club who are usually the symbol of stability in the whirlwind world that is the Premier League.
But it could have been oh so different. With that in mind, here’s the end of January XI Swansea COULD have had…
LUKASZ FABIANSKI
The former Arsenal custodian has proved himself as a top class shot stopper since making the move to the Liberty Stadium in 2014.
While he was always viewed as a liability during his time with the Gunners, the Polish international has excelled in South Wales.
JAMES CHESTER
Angel Rangel has been a stalwart for the Swans in recent years, but the Spaniard has started to look somewhat defensively. Granted, that’s an accusation that can be levelled at the team as a whole, but he can often be caught out on the right flank.
West Bromwich Albion defender James Chester hasn’t had the best time of it since moving to the Hawthorns in the summer. The Welsh international would have been a good option at right-back back in his native country, giving the rearguard a more solid option in the berth.
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
A hugely disappointing campaign for the Welsh captain, though the imposing central defender remains a rock in the rearguard. Absolutely vital in their bid the beat the drop.
LAMINE SANE
Bordeaux defender Lamine Sane was linked with a move to the Liberty Stadium over the course of the winter window, though clearly a deal never came to fruition.
However, the stigma surrounding French based defenders (largely brought about by Newcastle’s flawed transfer policy over the years) appears to be slowly fading away. We’ve seen the impact Lamine Kone has had at Sunderland after all.
A forename is not all Sane shares with the Black Cats hero. He too is a physically imposing central defender, who’s no nonsense approach would suit the current predicament Swansea find themselves in.
Federico Fernandez may be a better footballer, but the Argentine has hearts in mouths on too many occasions.
KIERAN GIBBS
Perhaps the most speculative of transfer targets, but Kieran Gibbs was linked with a loan move to the Liberty Stadium. Considering Arsenal’s position in the league, it’s hard to imagine the England international being tempted with a switch to a team in an entirely contrasting position.
However, with Euro 2016 fast approaching and Ryan Bertrand continuing to impress, the 26-year-old may have jumped at the chance to secure first-team football on a regular basis.
Though current incumbent in the role, Neil Taylor, is entirely dependable, the Welsh international is not anywhere near as good going forward. Too often, his crosses fail to produce anything.
JOE ALLEN
The decision to sell Jonjo Shelvey has split opinion, though his creative spark will surely be missed, when he’s at his best of course. Though former Swansea midfielder Joe Allen has stalled somewhat at Liverpool, he was linked with a move back to his former charges.
His passing range may not be as diverse as the England international’s, but he can link play effectively and knows the club inside and out. The injury crisis at Anfield probably blocked a move back to South Wales, which is unfortunate for all involved.
At his best during his initial spell with the Jack Army, Allen emerged as a hugely talented operator and has started to show glimpses of that on Merseyside. A move back could have helped both he and Swansea rediscover their best form.
He is the ‘Welsh Xavi’ after all.
JACK CORK
Harsh on Leon Britton perhaps, who’s returned to his neat and tidy best since his induction back into the first-team, but Jack Cork has proved himself to be one of the few Swans stars up for a fight.
He’s combative and robust enough to sit in the holding role and his limited but precise passing range suits the philosophy at the Liberty Stadium down to the ground.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Wayne Routledge had found his best form back in a central role, but was largely ineffective on the wing in the loss against Southampton.
Jefferson Montero has tailed off completely since a hugely exciting start to the season, leaving options in wide areas limited. Scott Sinclair may be part of arguably the worst Premier League XI at Aston Villa, but remains a talent.
Like the aforementioned Allen, he came to prominence in South Wales before a move away to a much bigger club. It’s not really worked out since, but he proved during the back end of last season he still has something to offer.
On the wing, his pace and incisive attacking play could give support to the strikers, causing havoc with Andre Ayew on the opposite side of the park.
GYLFI SIGURDSSON
When Gyfli Sigurdsson plays well, Swansea a whole tend to. The Icelandic international combines his silky Number 10 qualities with a graft as well as guile.
He covers a lot of ground, dropping deep into midfield before surging forward to run directly at defences. With seven goals this term, the 26-year-old is one of the club’s most important players.
ANDRE AYEW
IF Swansea had sold Andre Ayew to Sunderland, it would have been an utter disaster. Unlike Shelvey, who’s inconsistency marred his talent, the Ghanian is constantly one of the side’s biggest threats.
Granted, that’s not saying an awful lot. However, the former Marseille man has chipped in with eight goals and recorded one assist. An excellent signing considering the fact he joined on a free over the summer.
ALBERTO PALOSCHI
Largely an unknown quantity following his £8m arrival from Chievo, the Italian striker has impressed during his brief stint in Wales so far.
Despite the fact he is yet to score, the 26-year-old marksman has shown good energy and movement in the final third, stark comparison to the lumbering Bafetimbi Gomis.
Though the Frenchman started the season well, he is not the kind of striker to be relied upon in a relegation battle. A good option to have on the bench perhaps, but Paloschi gets the nod.
Service needs to him needs to improve greatly, however.