Manchester United vs Swansea

May 5, 2012
By: John Hansen

By the time this game starts, Manchester United will have known whether their title chances are still alive, but regardless of the outcome of the game at St James Park, Red Devils will be looking to win this game and thus make amends for the derby defeat. Swansea, on the other hand, will have something to prove as well, after squandering a three-goal lead against rock-bottom Wolves at their Liberty Stadium.

Nobody expected this

Just few weeks ago, Manchester United had a comfortable eight-point lead at the Premiership summit and looked to be cruising towards the 20th league title, but things have changed considerably since and now Red Devils appear to be heading to one of the most disappointing seasons in club’s recent history. United have nobody else to blame but themselves, having failed to win three of their last four games, although with City set to face high-flying Newcastle at St James Park, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men can still hope to return to the top of the standings. For that to happen they also need to beat very good Swansea side, and while scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem after bagging eight in last two games at Old Trafford, the hosts will need to show a massive improvement at the back if they are to avoid another major setback.

Danny Welbeck and Jonny Evans miss out through injury, but Anders Lindegaard is back in contention after a three-month spell on the sidelines.

Swansea hoping to spoil the party, should there be any

Swansea City missed a brilliant opportunity to climb to the top half of the standings as they squandered a three-goal lead against rock-bottom Wolverhampton and in the end had to settle for a 4-4 draw. Their fans cannot be too disappointed with team’s performance seeing that Swans have exceeded all expectations this season, but with the club operating on a tight budget and every place higher in the standings bringing an additional £800,000, Brendan Rodgers’ side will give their best to further improve their league position in the final two games. The match at Old Trafford is certainly an excellent opportunity for the Swans to prove everyone they can match even the best sides in the league, and with Manchester United likely to attack their opponents from the off, Swansea should get quite a few chances to score at the Theatre of Dreams.

Former United player Alan Tate has resumed training after injury, while full-back Angel Rangel could also return.

Verdict

Regardless of what happens at St James Park, Manchester United will go all out attack, hoping to make amends for the disappointing defeat to Manchester City. Swansea, on the other hand, will not be afraid to attack as they clearly have nothing to lose and we could see goals galore at Old Trafford.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Stan James

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