Prediction: Manchester United vs Swansea

Verdict: Manchester United to win and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Manchester United will be hoping they can keep their grasp on second place when they entertain Swansea City at Old Trafford on Saturday. We make our prediction on the Premier League clash.

Manchester United

Even though it can be argued that Manchester United are in a better position than they were a year ago, there still remains a degree of uncertainty regarding Jose Mourinho’s future. In recent seasons, a return of 65 points from 30 games would be enough to still be challenging for the Premier League crown. However, Manchester City’s dominance this campaign, and United’s Champions League exit to Sevilla has left a dark cloud over the club. Mourinho has always been able to back up his defensive approach with results, but his team’s turgid performances are slowly grating on fans. The Red Devil’s 2-0 victory over Brighton before the international break made it four wins from their last five matches. They’ve also been pretty solid at Old Trafford having won all but three league games. But this is largely due to his solid back line, rather than scintillating attacking displays. Manchester United have only conceded seven league goals all season at home, and it could be another comfortable, yet uninspiring game on Saturday.

Team News

Antony Martial (ankle) will be available after recovering to play for France midweek. However, Scott McTominay (ankle) is a doubt after withdrawing from the Scotland squad.

Ander Herrera (thigh) could return after a month out, as could Phil Jones (thigh) and Marcos Rojo (knock), but Daley Blind (ankle) is still out.

Swansea

Since Carlos Carvalhal’s appointment on December 28, Swansea City have vastly improved, losing just twice in the league. Despite this resurgence in form, the Swans are by no means safe from the dreaded relegation zone. Just three points separates them from 18^th placed Southampton, and they’re away record is a concern. The club have only won twice on the road, with just 10 goals scored all season. A trip to Old Trafford will be the last thing they would have wanted, especially considering they will be missing Jordan Ayew for the match. The striker’s sending off in their 0-0 draw at Huddersfield last month means he will be absent for the next two league games. It will be a blow for the Welsh club, especially considering the Ghanaian has contributed six goals and two assists this campaign. Nonetheless, Carvalhal will be drilling it into his squad that if they do somehow manage to win three points on Saturday, it will hugely increase their chances of staying in the division for another year.

Team News

Renato Sanchez (thigh) and Angel Rangel (groin) face late fitness tests, but Wilfried Bony (knee) and Leroy Fer (calf) remain out.

Jordan Ayew is serving a three-game ban for a straight red card.

Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester United have already beaten Swansea twice this season without conceding a goal – they won 4-0 at the Liberty Stadium in the Premier League and 2-0 in a League Cup tie in October
• The Swans have avoided defeat in three of their last five visits to Old Trafford (W2 D2 L1)
• The Red Devils have won all three of their Premier League home games kicking off at 3pm this campaign, scoring seven and conceding none
• Jose Mourinho has never lost against Swansea in all competitions (P9 W7 D2)
• Paul Pogba has scored in both of his games against the Swans, while also providing one assist

Conclusion

Nine of Swansea’s 15 away games have seen fewer than three goals. We predict that Manchester United will get the job done comfortably without it being a classic.

Verdict: Manchester United to win and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Bet 365