United head to Wales for the first time in Barclays Premier League history...
Form Guide
It's been four wins and four clean sheets since the derby defeat to City and the 1-0 victory against Sunderland kept United within five points of City at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The Swans have been in good form of late, after being unluckily pegged back to a 2-2 draw at Wolves, the Welsh side saw off Bolton 3-1 and held Liverpool to a goalless stalemate at Anfield. City are still unbeaten at home all season and have yet to concede a goal to an opposition player at The Liberty Stadium as Bolton's consolation came when Danny Graham put through his own net.
Ins and Outs
Danny Welbeck withdrew from England duty in midweek and Michael Owen is out for six weeks so the striking options may not look as plentiful as in the past. Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs will hope to push for inclusion but Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck are out and Fabio picked up a knock whilst away with Brazil. Stephen Dobbie could feature for the hosts as he returns from an ankle injury and Kemy Agustien is over a hamstring problem.
Last Meeting
United sank the Swans 2-1 in May, 1983, towards the end of the successful FA Cup-winning campaign. Frank Stapleton and Bryan Robson scored the goals for Ron Atkinson's side in front of almost 36,000 fans at Old Trafford.
Top Man
Michel Vorm has proved to be one of the shrewdest signings of the close season and is one of the main reasons behind the club's five clean sheets this term. The Dutch keeper was snapped up from FC Utrecht and has looked a class act since day one, even managing to shine in a 4-0 thumping at Manchester City.
At 28, he is part of Holland's plans ahead of the European Championship and United will be looking to provide a test for his shot-stopping ability this weekend.
Quote/unquote
"It’s a wonderful game for everyone to look forward to, but it’s also a celebration for the people of this city that we are going to entertain one of the biggest clubs in the world and one of the greatest managers in the world." - Brendan Rodgers.
Any sub-plots?
The Liberty Stadium will host a record sell-out crowd and United will be hoping for a better record than the one enjoyed at Swansea's previous home. In eight games at the Vetch Field, the Reds lost six times and drew twice, ensuring it was something of a bogey ground.
Whistle Blower
Mike Dean takes charge of matters in Wales - it's the first time he's overseen United this term. He officiated City's 4-0 win against Swansea in the clubs' first game of the season so a similar result would be much appreciated. Dean was the man in the middle for several of the champions' fixtures during the last campaign and sent off two Reds - Rafael and Paul Scholes against Tottenham and City respectively.
Rivals Watch
Leaders City entertain Newcastle at 3pm on Saturday after Arsenal are at Norwich in the early kick-off. Chelsea face Liverpool in Sunday's big match at Stamford Bridge.
source : Manutd
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