Liverpool will potentially face one of their toughest tests of the season on Monday night as they face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in Wales. Since current Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers guided the Swans back into the top flight four years ago, the Reds have never triumphed at Swansea and will be looking to avenge that.
Swansea will most likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, one which they have been consistent with for the large part of this season. It is a traditional 4-2-3-1, with the two in midfield both central midfielders whilst a central attacking midfielder will float around behind the main striker. Swansea are well known for playing good counter attacking football, and Gary Monk will most likely employ two quick wingers on the flanks.
Swansea's attacking formation often tends to see their games against top sides such as Liverpool go one of two ways. There are occasions where the play finds their opponents being forced deep into their own half, with wins over Manchester United (twice) and Arsenal, all 2-1, this season proving that. On the other hand, it can be their downfall as they commit too many men forward and leave themselves open to a counter attack. Losses to Liverpool at Anfield and Chelsea at home have shown this, as the Swans were on the end of 4-1 and 0-5 drubbings.
Some of the blame for the inconsistent results in those games could go down to the team selection itself. Swansea are often undone when Jonjo Shelvey, a naturally attacking midfielder, is played alongside Ki or Jack Cork in the centre two. This is because it takes the natural balance away, that is clearly there when Cork and Ki partner each other. Cork, a summer signing from high flying Southampton, offers defensive protection allowing Ki to move further up the pitch and orchestrate attacking moves.
The game could be won on the wings, as it will be fascinating viewing to see if Swansea's wingers can use their pace effectively when offered space due to Liverpool's attackers. Wayne Routledge, Nathan Dyer and Jefferson Montero all have blistering speed that could cause Liverpool a problem.
At the back, Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez offer Swansea a strong defence, if not particularly quick. The lack of pace could see Liverpool gain an advantage in that department, as the likes of Raheem Sterling, Phillipe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge look to exploit any weaknesses.
Finally, Liverpool will have to be sure they are on their toes down the right wing as they look to prevent Neil Taylor getting forward. Swansea's left back is a great creative outlet down that side, and Lazar Markovic is likely to be the one chosen to manage that side of the pitch.