There has been many suggestions in recent weeks about changes in formations that the Swans could play with and the formation of 3-5-2 suggested in more than one place - an option pretty much quashed by our manager last night in front of 250 fans at the Liberty Stadium.
Monk was specifically asked the formation question by one of the fans in the audience and he stated reasonably clearly that it would not be something he would look to consider as an option as he felt it was too much of a change from formations and styles that his players were used to.
Interestingly he mentioned Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United which seems to be the catalyst for some of the suggestions which also to me suggested that maybe some of the things discussed on the forums do end up in the ears of the manager although 99.7% of them are probably just to amuse him in times of stress...
Monk stated that it was easier for clubs like Manchester United to change their style on the basis that they were working with "some of the best players in the world" and that adapting styles at that level was much easier. For me it put to bed rumours that we may change formation this season to fit the players that we have into a new system. It was a pretty clear message that the players we have will fit around the system we want to play rather than the other way around.
Monk spent the best part of two hours answering questions from the audience that turned up at the event which was organised by the Swansea City Supporters Trust.
He was fiercely protective of criticism of the players and at times almost dismissive of some of the questions that were asked. This may seem something that wasn't a good trait but I disagree in that it showed a belief in the fact that some of the comments bordered on just being complete rubbish.
But the biggest one for me was the formation which was a big discussion point after last weekend's game against Villarreal at the Liberty and Monk admitted that he got it wrong last week and that he could have changed mid match but he wanted to ensure the players on the pitch got the game time that they needed.
Which in itself will give you a big clue as to the starting XI for Saturday although I would add in Nathan and Routs to his thoughts and you have the 13 players from which he will choose. In my view.