OXFORD United host Swansea City tomorrow afternoon, looking to end a run of seven games without a win.

The U’s have drawn five of those matches though, and come up against a Swans side without a victory in six games.

We caught up with Wales Online sports writer Tom Coleman to get the lowdown on the Swans.

READ ALSO: Six key players to watch out for against Swansea City

What’s the start of the season been like for the Swans?

It’s probably been largely in line with expectations, to be honest. The summer window was a busy one, but in the end resulted in eight players arriving, with 16 heading out the door.

As a result, there were real concerns over the strength and depth of the squad before a ball had even been kicked. 

There have been some really promising flashes over what might be possible with Luke Williams, but the lack of quality in key areas is clearly holding them back, particularly when it comes to scoring goals. 

The Swans have gone 525 minutes without scoring heading into this game, a run that means Swans fans went the whole of October without seeing their side find the net.

It’s the longest goal drought Swansea have suffered since February 1996, and they are unsurprisingly the lowest scorers in the division too.

Addressing that wretched run will be the main priority for Williams, whose side are yet to really build on what’s been a very solid defensive foundation.

Only Burnley, Sheffield United and West Brom have better defensive records than the Swans, which just goes to show how impressive they’ve been at the back. 

Performances in recent weeks haven’t actually been too bad. In fact, had they put two or three on Millwall on Saturday, I don’t think there would have been many complaints.

However, there's a worrying lack of confidence in front of goal right now, and that will only get worse the longer this run goes on.

What’s the playing style and likeliest formation under Luke Williams?

Swansea have so far set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for most of the season, although there’s clearly some fluidity in that.

Often, you’ll see the two full backs pushing up to play the role of the more traditional wing back, with Matt Grimes slotting into the heart of what is essentially a back three.

That’s just one example of the sort of flexibility Williams demands, but the one constant is that Swansea like to dominate the ball.

Indeed, no side in the Championship enjoys as much possession. Going forward, they like to work the wide areas, and get crosses into the box as quickly as possible. Only Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday produce move crosses per game.

Obviously, it’s not quite working out for them right now, but certain recent performances have suggested it’s not a million miles away from clicking for them. 

Swansea City head coach Luke WilliamsSwansea City head coach Luke Williams (Image: Joe Giddens/ PA Wire) Who are the key players to watch?

Matt Grimes is, in my opinion, one of the best passers of the ball in the division. I’m actually a little surprised he hasn’t gone on to bigger things, but he clearly loves life in South Wales.

Put simply, when he plays well, Swansea usually do too. He’s very much the heartbeat of this side.

Goncalo Franco, whom I expect to be the other half of the double pivot in midfield on Saturday, has also looked hugely impressive.

The Portuguese midfielder is tough in the tackle, and graceful in possession. If he continues on his current trajectory, there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be a Premier League player one day. 

What are the expectations this season for the Swans?

I think anything higher than mid-table would be considered a decent season given how weak this squad is.

Williams is doing pretty well in working with what he has, but a lack of quality ultimately always shines through in the Championship.

January is already looking important, and one would hope they’re not looking nervously over their shoulder by then.