Paul Clement's fast start at Swansea has earned the club's new boss consideration for January's Premier League Manager of the Month award. If he can mastermind a second consecutive away win against another powerhouse opponent, he might put himself in the frame for next month's award, too. On Sunday, Swansea visit Manchester City. A month ago the only debate here would be how many goals City would score. Now, the discussion is about whether Swansea can provide a banana skin for Pep Guardiola's refocused City.
Guardiola has already thrown a little flattery Swansea's way, saying that having watched recent performances he could not see a way through Clement's super-organised defence. Perhaps he should look a little harder. Kyle Naughton has given up crosses leading to goals from the Swans' right flank in each of the last three games. The faltering right-back has recently represented the largest crack in the side's defence, and City have the talent to create openings without obvious weaknesses to exploit.
Clement could consider starting stalwart Angel Rangel over Naughton on Sunday. The 34-year-old lacks pace but is better positionally, and with Swansea unlikely to be dictating the play offensively, Naughton's primary asset -- his willingness to join the attack -- will be of limited value.
Both sides have proven vulnerable on the counter, but given the David vs. Goliath nature of this fixture and the fact it will be played at the Etihad, Swansea should be better positioned to take advantage. One of the secrets to Clement's success at Liverpool was that the Swans boss was happy to relinquish an enormous amount of possession -- 73 per cent to 26 -- effectively negating Jurgen Klopp's gegenpressing (which relies on the other team actually having the ball), and allowing Swansea to score on the break.
In winger Luciano Narsingh, Swansea appear to have an appropriate weapon for a similar approach on Sunday. The Netherlands winger was instrumental in providing the winning goal against Southampton last Tuesday night, again scored on the counter. Faced with City's creaking full-backs, the winger could shine again.
Defensively, Swansea's midfield will be tested. City's goals are mostly generated from deep positions via playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva. Swansea's deeper midfield positions have lately been staffed by newcomer Tom Carroll and utility man Jack Cork, although captain Leon Britton will be available having recovered from injury.
Carroll has proven his worth offensively, being involved in three of the five goals Swansea have scored in the two matches he has played, but also has a keen knack for making interceptions. Cork has started to show a little bite while enjoying a renaissance under Clement, but the squad are still missing a true defensive midfielder.
With legendary midfield destroyer Claude Makelele now on the coaching staff, it could be that Cork, along with prospect Jay Fulton, will have a chance to further develop the defensive side of their game. But at present there seems no obvious solution to counter the guile and vision of City's providers. Swansea enjoyed a fruitful transfer window, making four well-considered additions, but this club could still do with having a defensive lynchpin.
Identifying City's strengths is easy -- they're everywhere -- but the ball can only be in one place at one time. Key to Swansea getting any kind of result on Sunday will be the individual battles. The Swans must keep their shape off the ball, and not over-commit to meet any one challenge. Guardiola's men are skilled at pulling opponents out of position with intelligent off-the-ball movement and have the passers to thread balls between the tightest lines.
Breaking the game down into one-on-one match-ups will be a difficult task for Clement -- he has to pick exactly the right personnel and already has Premier League new boy in Gabriel Jesus to worry about. However, games like this give players an opportunity to show what they can do -- there's no hiding behind a pack mentality -- and, for Naughton in particular, Sunday should serve as an audition to keep his place in this side next season.
The January market is not the time for a complete squad overhaul and Swansea's four additions already represent half a facelift. Adding another right-back -- and finding a new home for one of the two incumbents -- was probably one piece of business too many. Considering that Clement has started Naughton in each of the last three games despite his struggles, it feel like the boss is backing him to come good.
Guardiola was coy by saying Swansea have no weaknesses, and it would be a surprise if City's first forays don't target Naughton's flank. If Naughton can finally close the door defensively then Swansea really could have a chance at an upset.