Garry Monk confident of return to form

Garry Monk is confident his side can make a return to winning ways when they face Southampton on Sunday, February 1.

The Swans make the trip to St. Mary's Stadium to take on the high-flying Saints, aiming for a return to form following recent defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea.

Southampton have enjoyed a sensational campaign so far this season, riding high in third position in the Barclays Premier League, just five points behind champions Manchester City.

Garry Monk's men, meanwhile, currently sit ninth in the top flight after 22 games, a point above mid-table Stoke.

But after recent disappointing displays, the Swans boss insists his side will head to the south coast determined to get back on track.

"We've had a dip in form in terms of the standards we've set ourselves this season," said Monk. "The last two games have been disappointing, but the players and I are fully aware of what we need to do.
"We need to fight to get back to the levels we set as soon as possible, grabbing that momentum to push us on in the second half of the season, which I am confident we will do.
"We knew it would be a difficult period because of the players missing, but I don't want to make excuses. It's about getting back to the basics of what we have done well this season, starting with this weekend's game against Southampton.
"We need to put on a performance on Sunday that will give us momentum."
But Monk is well aware of the task that his side face this weekend as they come up against a Southampton side on top of their game after securing five wins from their last six league fixtures, including impressive victories over top four rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
"They're a really good team," added the Swans boss. "They brought in some good players after losing a few in the summer and the change of manager.
"There was a lot of talk about how they would struggle, but they have had a brilliant season. I don't think even they expected to be doing as well as they have, but they deserve it.
"They're serious contenders for a Champions League position and they've been a joy to watch, so all credit must go to them. But hopefully they don't do so well on Sunday."
Meanwhile, Monk also provided news of a fitness boost for the Swans, confirming that captain Ashley Williams will be fit to face Southampton, while Leon Britton has returned to training. Wayne Routledge, however, remains absent with a calf injury, while Gylfi Sigurdsson and Kyle Bartley are both suspended.