Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen reckons Swansea City have become a victim of their own success.
The Swans finished ninth in the table last season and won the League Cup for the first time in their history to land a Europa League spot.
However, Michael Laudrup’s men have struggled with the extra demands this term and are just three points above the relegation places after a nightmare run of five defeats in their last six.
The Cottagers travel to the Liberty Stadium tonight knowing victory will see them leapfrog the Welsh side in the table.
“Swansea’s league position is a bit of a surprise,” said Meulensteen.
“Over the years I’ve had a lot of respect for the way they have come up through the leagues and how they’ve established themselves in the top flight with various managers, but with a similar style of play.
“That style of play resulted in a trophy last year and getting into Europe, but now you start to see the price they have to pay.
“When suddenly things start to give it’s hard to put a finger on it, but maybe injuries play a part and you’re a little bit in decline.
“The results that were going for you last season are now going against you and that’s why they find themselves in the position they’re in."
Meulensteen changed his entire starting XI for Sunday's FA Cup draw at Sheffield United but will welcome back the likes of Scott Parker and Dimitar Berbatov as he reverts to his strongest side for the trip to South Wales.
