EPL Preview: Swansea City Striker Danny Graham Looking to Open Scoring Account

There were few strikers in finer form heading into this season than Swansea City's Danny Graham.

In the Welsh club's final three friendlies of the preseason, against the US Major League Soccer San Jose Earthquakes, English League Championship side Blackpool and German Bundesliga squad VFB Stuttgart, the 27-year-old scored a total of six goals, including a stirring hat trick.

It was the first treble for the forward in Swansea City colors, and combined with his excellent form in front of goal last season, when he led the club with 12 league strikes, all signs indicated he would open his account with a flourish against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last Saturday.

Turns out, Swansea didn't need him. New manager Michael Laudrup's side powered to a thoroughly convincing 5-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, propelled by braces from Michu and Nathan Dyer.

Now Graham turns his gaze toward the weekend fixture against West Ham United, Swansea's home opener.

The Jack Army is sure to be out in force to welcome their beloved side, and will be expecting fireworks aplenty after the exploit of last weekend.

Laudrup has backed Graham for 20 goals this season, a lofty amount considering it was met by just three Premier League forwards a season ago (Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero).

That might be an outsized ambition, but it's a clear indication of the immense confidence Laudrup has in Graham.

Acquired ahead of the 2011-12 season for just £3.5 million, the former top scorer for Watford in the League Championship (24 goals in 2010-11) has taken to the top-flight game with remarkable ease.

Graham combines a brilliant predatory streak—he is superb at pouncing upon defensive mistakes and transforming them into goals—with a keen technical ability and excellent aerial prowess.

Given his height (6'1") and ability to hang with physical defenses, Graham looks like the quintessential modern-day forward. Laudrup now believes he can take the next step forward as far as his career is concerned.

Expect Graham to reward his boss's faith with an excellent display this weekend.