Swansea break will help Premier League campaign - Williams

Swansea's Ashley Williams

Swansea captain Ashley Williams says a break from matches could benefit the club's bid for Premier League survival.

The Swans' last match, a 1-1 draw at home against Crystal Palace, was their sixth game in 17 days.

They are now in the middle of a 13 day break ahead of Saturday's match against West Brom, due to Arsenal's involvement in the FA Cup.

"It's not just the rest, but the chance to work on stuff for the team," said Williams.

"We couldn't do that because we were out on the field [playing] so much.

"We have a bit of time to work on a few ideas and things Monks [Swansea coach Garry Monk] wants to do."

The Premier League fixture with Arsenal scheduled for 8 March, will now be played on Tuesday 25 March.

One of the main reasons for Swansea's fixture congestion has been their involvement in the Europa League.

They reached the last 32 of the tournament before eventually being knocked out by Rafa Benitez's Napoli.

Williams says he would not have swapped the Swans' Europa League adventure for anything but admits it did take its toll on his players.

"I always said the Europa League was not an excuse," said Williams.

"We don't want to hide behind that because we enjoyed it and that is a fact.

"But another fact is when you fly back on Friday, you cannot do anything and only have one day before the games.

"It can be tough like that. Now we have a good few days before each game to work on opponents."

Swansea are 14th in the Premier League, just four points above the relegation zone and Saturday's opponents West Brom, who are outside it on goal difference.

The Swans will be looking to do the double over the Baggies having beaten them 2-0 at the Hawthorns in September.

Williams says Saturday's match against Pepe Mel's side is one of a number of important games coming up against teams close to them in the table.

"There are a few big games now for obvious reasons," said Williams.

"Especially after not getting the win against Palace which we wanted, which we wanted.

"We will be fully focused on the West Brom game, which will be a tough game, but I really feel it's a game we can win."