Monk expecting tough test
9th February
Garry Monk is expecting a tough test under the lights when the Swans travel to West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night (8pm).
Monk's men were held to a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, and will be hoping to go one better at the Hawthorns.
West Brom, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their draw at Burnley last time out when they came from two goals down to steal a share of the spoils at Turf Moor.
In the reverse fixture between the Swans and the Baggies earlier this term, Monk's side ran out 3-0 victors in August, thanks to a Nathan Dyer double and a goal from Wayne Routledge.
But the Swans boss is anticipating a tougher test at the Hawthorns this time round and is relishing Wednesday night's encounter with Tony Pulis' side.
"It's a quick turnover, but the players are used to it," said Monk. "Night kick-offs can be quite special and midweek games can be a good thing.
"We've had positive results in our last two games. We wanted the three points on Saturday. It wasn't to be, but four points from our last two games is the reaction we wanted after the defeat to Chelsea and the cup game. There are still areas to improve, but overall we are pleased with that.
"It will be another tough game for us against West Brom. Tony (Pulis), as he has shown with other clubs in the past, can turn a team around and get them to play how he wants to play quickly. That's what he's done at West Brom.
I have a lot of respect for him. He's a top manager and a really good guy. He sets his teams up to be effective, tough and organised. And they have good players too, so they can mix it up.
"It will be a tough night for us, but hopefully we can combat that, overcome them and get the result."
With the Swans now on 34 points in the Barclays Premier League, they are now six points away from the 40-point mark with 14 games left to play.
But with expectations higher this season, Monk is hoping his side can push on to reach their highest points total since reaching the Premier League.
He added: "Expectations are higher. We want more than just safety. The moment you settle for what you've got, you can forget it. You can never stand still.
"We have a very talented group, and we've got a great chance of reaching 40 points quicker than we've done before. We want to get to 40 points first, but then we can't settle."
