Match Preview - Swansea City v Manchester United

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 5:30pm, Saturday, 19th November 2011
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales (Away)
 Live TV Coverage: ESPN UK (HD), 4:30pm - 7:45pm

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral, England)
Assistants: Mr S Long & William Smallwood
Fourth Official: Andy D'Urso


Form: Swansea City just don't know how bad they are, and because of that they have conjured up some magnificent performances and, thus, results. The Swans are unbeaten in their last 3 games, earning a draw with Liverpool at Anfield (we did no better !), a big win over Bolton Wanderers (which seems to be a recurring theme) and a level score with Wolves (we lost to them last season). The Welsh side now face their biggest test, at home to The Champs.
 
United are on a roll of clean sheets, with no goals conceded in the last 4 matches. Although all 4 were won, only 7 goals were scored, with two edgy 1-0 victories in the Premier League over Everton and Sunderland. That's not a good scoring return by our standards, but nevertheless a win is a win. The Reds are targeting top spot over the next couple of weeks, and Sir Alex Ferguson - 25 years in the job - wants to see an improvement over the festive season. 


The Injury Front: Swansea City have a number of concerns, but also a handful of returning players. Winger Scott Sinclair could return to the line-up, while left-back Neil Taylor is fit after suffering an ankle knock at Anfield, but centre-half Steven Caulker reamins doubtful with a knee injury. Kemy Agustien should return after a hamstring problem, while fellow midfielder Stephen Dobbie is hoping for a place on the bench after overcoming an ankle injury.

Squad: Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Britton, Orlandi, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Lita, Moore, Bessone, Rangel, Allen, Tremmel, Agustien, Gower, Richards, Moras.


United have suffered a couple of fitness blows over the last couple of days, with Tom Cleverley ruled out until Christmas following an ankle injury. Michael Owen is also sidelined, for six weeks, with a thigh problem. Danny Welbeck is unfit after being recalled from England, but Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs return after a lengthy spell on the treatment table. I for one can't wait until that £25 Million hospital is built at Carrington !

Squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Rafael, Fabio, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Nani, Valencia, Gibson, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Park, Giggs, Young, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov.

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The Gaffer: Brendan Rodgers has worked wonders with Swansea City since he joined as manager of the Welsh side last year. The former Northern Irish footballer managed to get The Jacks into Championship Play-Offs against Reading. The 38-year-old now finds his troops in 10th place !

Most-Feared: Michael Vorm could be the difference between a tight 1-0 win and a 6-1 thrashing. The 28-year-old Dutch goalkeeper has been in top form for Swansea, and has kept the joint most clean sheets (5), sharing that with David De Gea. Many clubs are chasing his signature after his summer transfer from FC Utrecht.

The Ref: Mike Dean will never be forgiven for handing the 2009/2010 Premier League title to Chelsea after his disastrous performance at Old Trafford late that season. But United have become used to beating the odds and overcoming refereeing cods, though a simple victory is always welcome too. No cock-ups, eh Mike ?

United Latest's Prediction: Swansea 1-3 United
- Javier Hernandez, Ash Young & Wayne Rooney ? 

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