Manchester United face off against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday afternoon; the game kicks off at 4pm and is sure to be a good one – Swansea have never rolled over for United and will be hoping to be the first side to score past Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the Premier League this season.
Bafetimbi Gomis will lead the line for the Swans with Wayne Rooney having the same task as captain of the Red Devils. So how will the game pan out? Some of our writers have given their thoughts here…
James Browning
I’m yet to get a scoreline correct this season but I’ve predicted the end result correctly 2/3 times in the Premier League, so hopefully I’ll be right about this one too. Trips to the Liberty Stadium always make me nervous as Swansea always come out fighting but we should supreme class and control against Club Brugge in midweek and whilst Swansea are perhaps better than the Belgian side, I’m expecting us to take that performance to Wales with us and pick up the three points.
Rooney is on his way back to his very best and I’ve never doubted him – I expect him to score. Our attack will be more fluent than it has been so far in the league as Januzaj’s injury will most probably see Herrera start the game in attacking midfield. His combination play with Juan Mata is always lovely to watch and I think it’ll be too much for the Swansea defence.
Score Prediction: Swansea 0-2 Manchester United (Rooney, Herrera)
Chris Cherry
With Swansea beating Manchester United both home and away for the first time in the league ever, United will be wanting to dish out some payback, especially seeing as it will be Louis van Gaal’s 50th match in charge. So far United have faced a below-par Tottenham, Villa, Newcastle and Brugge so I think this will be their toughest game of the season so far.
Swansea may be lacking in defence a bit these days but their front line looks slick and fresh, with Gomis and new signing Ayew scoring all five goals so far between them. Add in the creativity of Sigurdsson, the pace of Montero and the strength of Shelvey, Swansea can cause some real damage.
However, United have been solid in defence in all five games they’ve played so far, conceding only one unlucky own goal. Wayne Rooney will also have regained some confidence after his mid week hat trick and Memphis will be eager to cause more damage with his runs down the left-hand side.
This game could also see the return of Marouane Fellani who has finished serving his suspension for his last day red card and will be ready to get back out there and fight for a first team place.
Score Prediction: Swansea 2 (Gomis, Ayew) – 3 Manchester United (Rooney, Memphis, Fellaini)
Matt Brown
I think Swansea will prove to be United’s most difficult opponent so far this season on Sunday afternoon. Players like J Ayew, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis have the ability to break down our defence, whilst I’m sure Garry Monk will have his team set up well defensively, too.
Therefore, this will be a big test for United. As good as our defence has been, the way Swansea play will pose a different challenge. Not only that, but Louis van Gaal was beaten twice by Garry Monk last season, and I think the Swans’ boss will have another tactical plan up his sleeve.
Having said that, United played well against Club Brugge on Wednesday, and the performance showed that they are well set up to play away from home. If United get a couple of chances on the counter-attack, which Swansea’s style of play may allow, then I believe we could edge a win.
I’m not sure United will be as clinical in the Premier League as they were against lower quality opposition in Bruges on Wednesday though, so I think this will end as a draw.
Score Prediction: Swansea 1 (Sigurdsson) – 1 Manchester United (Memphis)
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