Preview: United v Swansea
Date, time and coverage: Saturday 11 January, 17:30 GMT. Live TV coverage in the UK on Sky. Follow the action live via
ManUtd.com's rolling blog and
MUTV Online's radio commentary.
Form guide: United will want to make sure the disappointing start to 2014 comes to an end when Swansea return to Old Trafford just six days after
their dramatic win in the third round of the FA Cup. Wilfried Bonys header handed the Swans victory for the first time in eight outings, not to mention their first ever on the Reds home turf. Theyll begin this weekends fixtures four points above the relegation zone.
Ins and outs:
Jonny Evans looked to be carrying a knock of some kind when the defender was substituted at Sunderland, possibly adding to David Moyes list of absentees.
Wayne Rooney has missed the last two matches with a groin problem, while
Robin van Persie has yet to return to action following a thigh injury sustained a month ago.
Phil Jones may be close to a return after damaging a knee, but
Nani has a hamstring strain, the extent of
Rio Ferdinand's injury from last Sunday is unknown and
Marouane Fellaini will be absent for some time following
wrist surgery. For Swansea, wingers Pablo Hernandez and Roland Lamah are out with hamstring and abductor issues respectively, goalkeeper Michel Vorm is still short of fitness after a successful knee operation and striker Michu is out for several more weeks after ankle surgery. A calf problem means that midfielder Jonathan de Guzman misses out, as does Dwight Tiendalli following a hamstring strain.
Last meeting: That will be last Sundays FA Cup exit, where
Javier Hernandez swiftly cancelled out a 12th minute opener from Wayne Routledge, who turned provider late on when Bony nodded his cross beyond Anders Lindegaard. United were a man short for the last 10 minutes after
Fabio got his marching orders for a crude challenge on Jose Canas shortly after replacing the injured Rio Ferdinand.
Betting: The Reds are
1.45 to win with our official online betting partner
bwin, while the draw is
4.25 and Swansea are
6.75 to repeat last Sundays outcome. Adnan Januzaj had a goal ruled out for offside and came close to scoring several other times at Sunderland, so the talented teenager is temptingly priced at
29.00 to open the scoring in a 2-0 win.
Quote/unquote: "They have to win this game so we have to be ready. It will be a tough game again. They won't like what they hear about losing three in a row. But If they win a game, they are back. Football can change in a matter of weeks." Swansea boss Michael Laudrup.
Whistle blower: Chris Foy will take charge of a United match for the second time this season - the St Helens-based 51-year-old also officiated for the Reds 2-1 win over Sunderland in October, during which he issued six yellow cards.
Manchester United v Swansea City Premier League preview - Official Manchester United Website