Prediction: Swansea vs Manchester United

Having enjoyed a 2-1 triumph at Old Trafford on Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United debut, Swansea will be hoping for more of the same when they host the Champions League hopefuls at Liberty Stadium. Meanwhile, the Red Devils aim to get revenge for said defeat and cement their top 4 position.

Once they gained promotion to the Premier League, Swansea didn’t need long to establish themselves as a top table side, and Gary Monk has continued the excellent work of Michael Laudrup at the Liberty Stadium. The club management has played a part as well, securing the services of some high-quality players in both the summer and winter transfer windows without even spending a lot of cash. It remains to be seen how Wilfried Bony’s departure will affect team’s chances, but with former Lyon star Bafetimbi Gomis eager to prove his worth and main creative outlet Gylfi Sigurdsson finally back from a three-match ban, the Swans do have reason for optimism. Gary Monk’s charges experienced problems in their previous two home games against top sides, suffering an unfortunate defeat to Spurs before getting hammered by Chelsea, but I wouldn’t bet on Manchester United claiming maximum points at Liberty Stadium as well. The hosts will be without Kyle Bartley, who could miss next six weeks through a knee problem, whereas Modou Barrow and Marvin Emnes are also out injured.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal might have led his side to third position in the Premier League standings and FA Cup quarter-finals, but everybody can see that the Red Devils are not exactly playing to their potential. Easy fixture list and a couple of smiles from the Lady Luck are the main reasons why the Old Trafford outfit are unbeaten in last seven, but the bright run will be put to a serious test at Liberty Stadium. United have plenty of problems up front with the likes of Di Maria, Falcao and Van Persie all struggling for form, while they have now conceded in four of last five matches on all fronts despite mostly facing bottom table sides and lower division teams. Even with Louis van Gaal fielding a very strong side in the FA Cup clash with League One side Preston, the Red Devils were on the back foot for large periods of the match, and only won the game thanks to three second-half goals. They should have Robin van Persie back after he resumed full training, but Michael Carrick remains in the infirmary. There won’t be too many changes to the team that faced Preston at Deepdale, although Adnan Januzaj and Paddy McNair could be recalled.

Conclusion

Swansea City will be buoyed by the return of Gylfi Sigurdsson and possession-based style of play is likely to deny United too many chances to score. The Red Devils have been riding their luck for quite some time and I can see them struggling at Liberty Stadium.

Verdict: Swansea not to lose

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: William Hill