Manchester United head to the Liberty Stadium tomorrow lunch time to take on Swansea, so we, along with SCFC2 and Unibet, have compiled a preview of the game along with some tips on where to put your money.
Swansea perspective: Jim
Team news
The Swans have Michel Vorm back to fitness and it’s highly likely that the Dutch stopper will go straight back into the team in place of Gerhard Tremmel. Pablo Hernandez is due to have recovered from a thigh strain but with a heavy schedule over the next four weeks, I don’t think Laudrup will risk him against United. Danny Graham has been pushing for a recall but I expect to see Michu played up front again.
Form
Although we’ve fallen to two defeats in a row, we have been in good form in recent months. After some wins against the big clubs and the semi-final of the League cup to come, confidence in the club is high and the players will relish pitting themselves against the best club in the Premier League.
Head-to-head
United were one of only three clubs to take six points off Swansea last season so United will be odds on favourites to win the game. But something tells me we will get something from this game. Last year, the Swans were in awe of United (especially at home) but I think they will get a different game this time.
Best bets
Over 2.5 first half goals at 5.75. Both teams will come out and have a go at each other early. Our last two games at home have seen three goals or more within the first 45 minutes. Well worth a fiver at those odds!
2-1 to United at half-time at 16.00. This scoreline would surprise neither home nor away fans. United have been slow to get going in some games against smaller teams but I think this game will be the exception.
Wayne Routledge to score first goal at 15.00. The winger will certainly start and scored two at home against West Brom
Score prediction: Swansea 3-2 Man United (32.00)
Predicted side:
Man United perspective: Chudi
Team news
Manchester United’s injury problems seem to be easing with Nemanja Vidic returning last week against Sunderland and Jonny Evans set to make his comeback this week. Rafael is still out, meaning that Smalling may shift to right-back. Kagawa is set to return to first team training on Monday and Nani & Anderson remain long term absentees.
Form
We will go into Christmas top of the table and whilst we aren’t yet going at fully speed, we have set a brisk pace that others can’t seem to keep up with. Away wins against Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City in the same season is a rarity for United, so Sir Alex won’t be complaining.
Head-to-head
Manchester United have faced Swansea just 18 times. Whilst we are undefeated in the sides’ two meetings in the Premier League era – winning home and away last season – beyond that it makes for pretty grim reading: as the visitors, United have won once, drawn twice and lost six games against the Swans.
Best bets
Man United clean sheet at 2.95. Swansea didn’t score in their two games against United last season, so another clean sheet isn’t out of the question.
Over 3.5 goals at 2.35. United’s goalscoring ability has never been in doubt and we have scored three or more goals in our last three games. I see more goals here.
Wayne Rooney to score at 2.25. Rooney has started finding chances and scoring goals, hitting two against City and one against Sunderland last week.
Score prediction: Swansea 1-3 Man United (12.50)
Predicted side:
yeah