Swansea City: Aston Villa 'different' under Tim Sherwood - Garry Monk

Garry Monk started his playing career at Torquay United in 1995-96

Swansea City will face a transformed Aston Villa side under Tim Sherwood on Saturday, according to Swans manager Garry Monk.

Villa have climbed out of the relegation zone, winning their last two league matches under Sherwood.

Monk did his coaching qualifications with Sherwood and says Villa will be unrecognisable from the team which lost 1-0 to the Swans on Boxing Day.

"I think they'll be a different team," said Monk.

"They'll have a different mindset. This is the stage of the season where it's the business end and everyone's fighting for their own reasons."

Villa are currently 16th in the Premier League table and just three points above the relegation zone.

Swansea, by contrast, are comfortable in ninth and all but assured of their top-flight status for next season, having already amassed 40 points.

The two managers did their coaching courses at the same time and were both thrust into the limelight in their first managerial jobs.

Monk retired as a player in order to take charge of Swansea in February 2014 following the sacking of Michael Laudrup, while technical director Sherwood was given the first-team reins at Tottenham when Andre Villas-Boas was dismissed in December 2013.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood won the Premier League as a player with Blackburn Rovers 1994-95

"Tim did a very good job at Tottenham and was probably a little bit unlucky not to continue that," said Monk.

"He's waited for his chance and it's not easy to find another club, especially at this level.

"But this opportunity has come up which is pleasing to see, a young English manager. He's taken his opportunity really well.

"I think he's a good manager. Slightly different to what I am, but the same principles in terms of the way he goes about his job."

Monk started his Swansea tenure with a 3-0 derby win against Cardiff and guided the Swans to Premier League safety in 2013-14.

Sherwood has had a similarly swift impact at Villa since Paul Lambert's sacking.

The former Blackburn and Spurs midfielder has led Villa to the FA Cup semi-finals and enhanced their chances of avoiding relegation, beating Sunderland 4-0 away last Saturday.

"He's gone in there and lifted the confidence of the group," added Monk.

"They've got very good players but they weren't playing to their full potential before Tim took over.

"He's had an instant impact. He's a very honest guy, very black and white.

"I did my coaching course with Tim so I know him pretty well. He's had a fantastic start and I'm sure he'll do well taking Aston Villa forward."