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FirdaAnnisa · 03-05-2012, 10:20 PM

http://www.manutd.com

Preview: United v Swansea

Date, time and coverage
Saturday 6 May 2012, 16:00 BST kick-off. Live on Sky Sports. You can also follow the match live on ManUtd.com with text and radio commentary.

Form guide
Only securing a point from two games has cost United dearly with the initiative switching to Manchester City in the title race. The 1-0 reverse at the Etihad Stadium followed the 4-4 draw against Everton as the Reds have picked up four points from the last four outings. Swansea lost four games on the trot before rediscovering some form with a belting of Blackburn and a draw at Bolton. In the Welsh side's last fixture, watched by Sir Alex and Mike Phelan, Brendan Rodgers' side threw away a 4-1 lead to only pick up a point against relegated Wolves.

Ins and outs
Jonny Evans is unlikely to be fit in time after missing the derby defeat and Danny Welbeck is also expected to be sidelined after being hurt by Nigel De Jong's rash challenge on Monday night. Although there could be a situation where United need to chase an improbable amount of goals, it would be a surprise if Sir Alex radically alters his formation or tactics although a striker will surely be drafted in to beef up the attack with Javier Hernandez favourite to get the nod. Antonio Valencia could also return to the line-up. Angel Rangel is striving to get fit in time for the visitors after injuring his hamstring whilst carrying his baby son down some stairs at home. Former Red Alan Tate is back in training despite picking up a calf strain before the game with Blackburn.

Last meeting
The Reds' first-ever visit to the Liberty Stadium ended in victory thanks to Javier Hernandez's first-half strike, set up by Welshman Ryan Giggs. United were still five points behind leaders Manchester City at the time, despite the 1-0 win, which proved to be hard-earned for the champions. The home fans applauded Giggs off when he was substituted in an impressive act of sportsmanship.

Opposition boss
Brendan Rodgers famously worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and the Northern Irishman has gained a reputation for getting his side to play flowing football. His first managerial job, at Watford, led to a move to Reading but he left by mutual consent and had plenty to prove again at Swansea. There is no doubting his work in Wales as he steered the Swans into the Barclays Premier League for the first time and has earned plenty of plaudits this term to become a candidate for the Manager of the Year award. In his playing days, he saw his career ended by injury whilst a 20-year-old at Reading.

Star man
Gylfi Sigurdsson has proved to be an inspired signing on loan from Hoffenheim. The 22-year-old Icelander, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Reading, was voted Premier League Player of the Month in March after a string of eye-catching performances and he's a midfielder who scores and creates goals. With seven goals in 14 appearances for the Swans, it's clear United will have to watch his moves forward at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Quote/unquote
"This is one of the games I earmarked at the start of the season, as I'm sure some of our supporters did. I supported Manchester United growing up, although these days I don't follow them as much because I'm focused on what we're doing. But you want to test yourself against the best, so to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford will be a special occasion." Swansea midfielder Joe Allen.

Sub-plots
All eyes will be on St James' Park before kick-off as Manchester City take on Newcastle with Sunday certain to be a crucial day in the title race. It's certain to be an incredible atmosphere if the Blues do slip up and there's also the goal difference issue - although Sir Alex has stressed it's impossible to make up the gap in that respect. Nonetheless, the home crowd must be expected to roar the team on to attack with added impetus, even if such a scenario seems outlandish at best.

Rivals watch
Newcastle remain in contention for third spot after an excellent win at Chelsea in midweek. Papis Cisse's superb double ensured the Magpies bounced back from a 4-0 caning at Wigan and the hope is that Alan Pardew's Tynesiders will at the very least make life difficult for Roberto Mancini's Blues.

03-05-2012, 10:20 PM	#6
FirdaAnnisa academy Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Jakarta Posts: 250 Thanks: 44 Thanked 44 Times in 24 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s)	Re: [EPL] Man Utd vs Swansea http://www.manutd.com Preview: United v Swansea Date, time and coverage Saturday 6 May 2012, 16:00 BST kick-off. Live on Sky Sports. You can also follow the match live on ManUtd.com with text and radio commentary. Form guide Only securing a point from two games has cost United dearly with the initiative switching to Manchester City in the title race. The 1-0 reverse at the Etihad Stadium followed the 4-4 draw against Everton as the Reds have picked up four points from the last four outings. Swansea lost four games on the trot before rediscovering some form with a belting of Blackburn and a draw at Bolton. In the Welsh side's last fixture, watched by Sir Alex and Mike Phelan, Brendan Rodgers' side threw away a 4-1 lead to only pick up a point against relegated Wolves. Ins and outs Jonny Evans is unlikely to be fit in time after missing the derby defeat and Danny Welbeck is also expected to be sidelined after being hurt by Nigel De Jong's rash challenge on Monday night. Although there could be a situation where United need to chase an improbable amount of goals, it would be a surprise if Sir Alex radically alters his formation or tactics although a striker will surely be drafted in to beef up the attack with Javier Hernandez favourite to get the nod. Antonio Valencia could also return to the line-up. Angel Rangel is striving to get fit in time for the visitors after injuring his hamstring whilst carrying his baby son down some stairs at home. Former Red Alan Tate is back in training despite picking up a calf strain before the game with Blackburn. Last meeting The Reds' first-ever visit to the Liberty Stadium ended in victory thanks to Javier Hernandez's first-half strike, set up by Welshman Ryan Giggs. United were still five points behind leaders Manchester City at the time, despite the 1-0 win, which proved to be hard-earned for the champions. The home fans applauded Giggs off when he was substituted in an impressive act of sportsmanship. Opposition boss Brendan Rodgers famously worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and the Northern Irishman has gained a reputation for getting his side to play flowing football. His first managerial job, at Watford, led to a move to Reading but he left by mutual consent and had plenty to prove again at Swansea. There is no doubting his work in Wales as he steered the Swans into the Barclays Premier League for the first time and has earned plenty of plaudits this term to become a candidate for the Manager of the Year award. In his playing days, he saw his career ended by injury whilst a 20-year-old at Reading. Star man Gylfi Sigurdsson has proved to be an inspired signing on loan from Hoffenheim. The 22-year-old Icelander, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Reading, was voted Premier League Player of the Month in March after a string of eye-catching performances and he's a midfielder who scores and creates goals. With seven goals in 14 appearances for the Swans, it's clear United will have to watch his moves forward at Old Trafford on Sunday. Quote/unquote "This is one of the games I earmarked at the start of the season, as I'm sure some of our supporters did. I supported Manchester United growing up, although these days I don't follow them as much because I'm focused on what we're doing. But you want to test yourself against the best, so to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford will be a special occasion." Swansea midfielder Joe Allen. Sub-plots All eyes will be on St James' Park before kick-off as Manchester City take on Newcastle with Sunday certain to be a crucial day in the title race. It's certain to be an incredible atmosphere if the Blues do slip up and there's also the goal difference issue - although Sir Alex has stressed it's impossible to make up the gap in that respect. Nonetheless, the home crowd must be expected to roar the team on to attack with added impetus, even if such a scenario seems outlandish at best. Rivals watch Newcastle remain in contention for third spot after an excellent win at Chelsea in midweek. Papis Cisse's superb double ensured the Magpies bounced back from a 4-0 caning at Wigan and the hope is that Alan Pardew's Tynesiders will at the very least make life difficult for Roberto Mancini's Blues.