Not much has gone right for Manchester United in the month of October as they have managed to score just one league goal throughout the month, dropping to the 8th place in the points table as a result. They are currently 8 points away from the top of the table and 8 points away from the relegation zone making their season an average one thus far. After their loss in Istanbul, Mourinho’s men travel to the Liberty Stadium this weekend to face a struggling Swansea side that have got just 2 points from the last 6 league game. They are currently in the drop zone with just 5 points from 10 games but will hope to exploit United’s weaknesses and take atleast a point from this game. Here is the preview of this clash along with the team news, expected lineups, stats, betting odds and predictions.
The Premier League game between Swansea and Manchester United will be played on Sunday, the 12th of November at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. The kick off is scheduled at 3:00 pm BST (8:30 pm IST)
Team News:
Bob Bradley the manager at the Liberty Stadium, will have close to a full strength squad for this clash against United. Nathan Dyer remains the only injury concern and is expected to return after the international break.
Manchester United on the other hand have Eric Bailly, Antonio Valencia and Chris Smalling missing for this game while Ander Herrera will miss this game serving a suspension. Paul Pogba picked up a niggle and was subbed off in the Europa League game against Fenerbahce. Though he may make it to the matchday squad, it is unlikely that he will be risked for this game.
Expected Lineups:
Swansea:
Fabianski; Naughton, Mawson, Van der Hoorn, Taylor; Britton, Fer; Barrow, Siggurdsson, Routledge; Llorente
Manchester United:
De Gea; Darmian, Blind, Rojo, Shaw; Fellaini, Schneiderlin, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Rashford; Ibrahimovic
Key Battles:
Wayne Routledge vs Matteo Darmian:
Though not at his best this season, Routledge, is an important player for the Swans and will be hoping to have a decent game on the night. He will be up against an out of favor Darmian who will be nervy trying to prove himself. The Italian has been far from solid this season and will surely be a weak link for United that can be exploited by the Swansea winger.
Juan Mata vs Alfie Mawson:
Putting in the some decent performance recently, Mata, won the Player of the Month for October for United and is their inform player going into this game. He will be up against Swansea defender Mawson who has had his fair share of embarrassing moments this season. Surely, Mata will hope to get the better of the home side on the night.
Key Stats:
Swansea have won three of their last four Premier League meetings with United, losing the other.
United have lost their last two Premier League visits to Swansea. They’ve only lost three in a row away to the same opponents on four occasions (Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton).
Six of the last eight meetings between these sides in all competitions has ended with a 2-1 scoreline (four wins for Swansea, two for United), including each of the last four in a row.
United have covered the lowest distance in the Premier League so far this season (1055.3km) and have outrun their opponents only once, a league low.
The Red Devils have scored with just one of their last 91 shots in the Premier League and have failed to score with any of their last 67 in the competition since Martial’s goal versus Stoke on October 2.
After scoring with four of his first 15 shots in the Premier League, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now failed to score with his last 42 in the competition.
Swansea have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last nine Premier League matches.
Betting Odds:
Swansea: 18/5
Draw: 14/5
Manchester United: 8/11
Predictions:
The Premier League has not been easy to predict this season with teams from around the table putting in some decent performances Playing at home, Swansea have a slight edge on Manchester United but Mourinho’s side will be pumped up and will be expected to take all three points from this game.
Our Prediction: Swansea 1-3 Manchester City