Swansea City Vs Manchester United

Pre-Match:

Swansea City vs Manchester United

VS

Liberty Stadium

Kick-Off: Saturday 10. 55 pm (IST)

The Red-Army will voyage 240 miles to Swansea City on a hectic Saturday afternoon fixture list of Premier League games, for an evening kick-off at the Liberty Stadium. Despite being tipped for the drop by bookmakers, the Swans have risen to tenth in the table after 11 matches. Having played the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool already this term, the Swans face their biggest test on Saturday against Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils. Swansea vs. Manchester United hasn't been a top flight fixture since the 1980s; last when United entertained their opponents, ran-out 2-1 winners.

Form:

Brendan Rodgers and his team is doing superbly in the Premier League and will be full of confidence after a fantastic draw against Liverpool. While this Swansea team is playing slick and crisp passing football, United has lost rhythm after their flying start, grinding out back to back 1- 0 results. Swansea is yet to lose at the Liberty stadium having won three and drawn two of their five games. In the process, they conceded just a solitary goal and scored seven; dispatched a hapless Bolton Wanderers side 3-1 in their last home fixture. United have improved their away record compared to last season with winning three and drawing the same number. United scoring rate has dropped alarmingly with netting just seven in their last six games. Two clean-sheets in the league after the drubbing in Manchester United, will give much needed confidence to their defence.

Injury Update:

Michael Owen is expected to be sidelined until at least Christmas with the thigh injury he sustained in United’s recent 2-0 home win against Otelul Galati. Danny Welbeck missed England’s friendly match against Sweden with a calf-muscle strain and is expected to miss this game as well. Chris Smalling also remains an absentee with a foot injury. Doubtful is the Ashley Young’s case due to a toe injury.

Steve Caulker -Tottenham Loanee at Swansea is expected to back in the starting line-up after recovering from knee injury.

Players to Watch- Out:

Swansea will be a different and unknown opposition (Sir Alex would definitely have made his players watch their videos) to United this week, contrast to their last away fixture at Goodison Park. Nathan Dyer, Scott Sinclair and Joe Allen have been their best players, pick of who is Joe Allen. The Carmarthen-born youngster, who has been with the club since the age of nine, made his league debut in the final game of the 2006/07 season as a substitute against Blackpool. The young 21 year lad has an eye for pass and is equally supported on wings by the trickery of Dyer and more conventional Sinclair. Their Dutch goalkeeper Michael Vrom signed from FC Utrecht has been in outstanding form this season; single handed won them a point at Anfield.

This could be good game to bring back Tom Cleverly whose fine start to season was hampered due to injury and also Valencia should be back in his natural position at right wing considering Young remains doubtful to start.

Probable XI:

Swansea City: (4-5-1 ) Vrom, Rangel, Williams, Monk, Taylor, Dyer, Britton, Allen, Gower, Sinclair, Graham

Manchester United: ( 4-4-1-1) De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Cleverly, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez.

Player Talks:

Manchester United stalwart Denis Irwin has labelled Swansea a "revelation" in the Barclays Premier League.  Irwin has been hugely impressed with how the Swans have coped so far in the top flight, and believes sticking to their principles has been the reason for their fine start. "They've been a revelation. Their style of football is fantastic to watch so why change?" said Irwin. "It's the way they play their best. The manager feels it's the best way for them to get results and rightly so. Defensively they're more solid than Blackpool, I think you've seen that in the five home games they've only conceded one goal. The goalkeeper Vorm has been a real find for them and I think with the couple of signings that Rodgers has made as well, they can score goals."  

Swansea right-back Angel Ragnel said “For the club it is a great day because you see the massive steps we have made. Four years ago, the right-back was still plying his trade with La Terrassa in the lower tiers back in his native Spain. During the same campaign, Sir Alex Ferguson was guiding his team to another Premier League title - their ninth in 15 years."For me too it is a special day because not so long ago I was playing semi-professionally. If someone was to say then that I'd get the chance to play against Manchester United then I'd think they were completely crazy. We are in this division because we deserve it, and we are playing teams like Manchester United because we have worked so hard to get here. They have great players, but we are confident in ourselves too and I think it will be a very good game."

“Of course, it is going to be a massive test for us against Manchester United because you can look at any player they have and you can say he is world class."They have been one of the biggest clubs in the world because they have quality in every single position."He added: "We will be the underdogs but we have to use the momentum we have built in our home performances. That, along with the amazing support we have, can make a big difference on Saturday. But when you look around their squad and you see Rooney, Hernandez and Nani, for example, then you realise if you make the slightest mistake then you will get punished. We have to be totally focused."

Club Connections:   

Alan Tate, currently the club's vice-captain, learned his trade as an Old Trafford trainee, a stint which included two loan spells at Swansea, during which time he made nearly 40 appearances. The new Premier League campaign will be his 10th season at a club where he has played well over 300 games.

Busby Babe Kenny Morgans will have split loyalties when the Swans take on Premier League champions Manchester United on Saturday. Swansea-born Morgans played for both teams in the 1950s and 1960s, leaving his hometown club to join the Red Devils as a 15-year-old. At United, he shared digs with Sir Bobby Charlton and would become a firm fixture in the club's starting XI under Sir Matt Busby as a right winger. The 72-year-old, who hails from Cwmdonkin, was the youngest surviving member of the 1958 Munich air disaster that claimed 23 lives. Morgans has been a regular guest of Manchester United since his retirement. He travelled with the team to the Champions League Final in Moscow in 2008 and was the guest of honour at the 25th anniversary dinner of the club's Past Players Association in September. Michael Parkinson and current Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson were among the other guests. Morgans added: "I'm looking forward to meeting up with Sir Alex again but I'm hoping for a very entertaining game that ends in a draw."I hope Sir Bobby Charlton makes it to the game because we go back a long way and it would be nice to welcome him to my home city."But I'd also encourage the Manchester United fans to take time to explore the Swansea area because it's a fantastic place with the best beaches in the world."

PreMatch United Vs City

PreMatch: 

 vs

Old traford,

Manchester.

Kick-off : Sunday, 5:55 ( IST)

Manchester City fans will travel 4 miles on Sunday afternoon to witness 161^st Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. The Reds will entertain new table toppers City after their draw at Anfield last week against Liverpool, followed by City’s thrashing of Aston Villa side at Eastlands. In the past 37 years, City has only one league game at Old Trafford. Never did they win but in ‘07-‘08 just four days after the 50^th anniversary of Munich disaster. The most thrilling derby was played in ‘09 season when Owen scored in 5^th minute of the injury time to win the tie 4-3. 

Form:

United endured a difficult night in the UEFA Champions League, needing two Wayne Rooney penalties to defeat unfancied Otelul Galati and playing the last 25 minutes with ten men after Nemanja Vidic's controversial red card.

City also laboured towards a victory over Valencia, after an injury time winner by Sergio Augero, which keeps their qualification hopes alive in the champions group of death.

In the Premier League, United are going through slump in form, drawing two of their last three matches but still boast of unbeaten record in the current campaign. They are still unbeaten at Old Trafford for more than 18 months.

Apart from conceding just 4 goals in their last six games, City has managed to score more goals this season and boast of superior goal difference compared to United. They are unbeaten in last 4 away games in the league.

Injury Update:

Tom Cleverly is back in training but still may-not be fit for the match. Vidic also looked rusty in the mid-week Champions League fixture.

Mancini has full squad available for selection in this fixture.

Formation:

Since the last game, it will be interesting to watch, whether Sir Alex neutralizes the threat or plays their traditional 4-4-2 with Rooney playing a deeper role and Welbeck alone up –top.  Evans should retain his place in the centre of defence partnering Ferdinand. Smalling who played brilliantly against Downing should also keep his place. Maybe Jones will sit this one out, having started every game.

City will welcome back both Nasri and Silva in their starting line up after resting them for weekend fixture against Aston Villa. Augero could replace Balotelli up front after being a super- sub in the champions league fixture.

Probable XI:

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Young, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck.

Manchester City: (4-3-2-1): Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, De jong, Toure, Nasri, Silva, Augero.

Key Battles:

Both teams have rested their important player either in the midweek or in during weekend league fixture. There will more than one key player and battles in this fixture; Evra vs Silva, Smalling Vs Nasri, Young vs Clichy, Nani vs Richards, to name a few. Wide players have been very influential for both the teams and have been at their peak form. 

  

Nasri, Silva and Augero are creating and scoring goals for fun while same can be said for Nani, Rooney and Young. Particularly Silva, in last year derby was able to carve open United’s defence more than once in half first half. To that, City has added an equally brilliant individual Nasri on the opposite flank. Expect a cagey first half with both teams neutralising each other with tight man- marking. Game could well be decided by set- piece or by individual error.

Talks from both the Camps:

Nigel De Jong: “Of course everyone believes we can go there and win. We're going there as No 1 and the aim is to stay No 1.We are on top of the league so going into that game we just have to be confident and play our game as well as we have been doing. The pressure is still the same as it was last year. But what has changed is that we are now No 1 going into this derby. We don't have any point to prove. We've shown our quality throughout the season. We don't need a game against United to show how good we are. But it's two of the best teams in England going up against each other and I expect it to be a great game. Everyone was talking about that FA Cup semi-final but we proved we can win. Now we have to go into this game believing we can get the three points”

Ferguson already had Sunday's match against league Leaders City in his sights, on champion league night post match night, concluded that it was biggest league derby during his time at Old Trafford. "The last couple of years it has become more intense and a lot more importance has been attached to the games. With them top and us second, it builds up to a fantastic prospect for everyone. I'm looking forward to it."

Referee:

Your man in the middle for this one is Mark Clattenburg. He hasn’t officiated any of the United’s fixture this season but was the referee in City’s only draw this season, against Fulham at craven cottage. He ditched out five yellow cards in his previous game -QPR vs Blackburn.

Pre-Match: Liverpool Vs Manchester United

Pre-Match:

   vs

   

Anfield,

Liverpool

Kick-off : Saturday, 5:15pm (IST)

Premier League will kick start this weekend with one of the fiercest rivalries in English Football with Liverpool- hosting the North-West Derby, entertaining League Leaders and Defending Champions Manchester United in front the Kop in a Saturday lunchtime kickoff. After a drab week in absence of league football, it is Liverpool initiating the noises about abandoning equivalent sharing of TV rights going for individual selling as done in Spanish League. Certainly they feel threatened by huge influx of money in the Top six clubs and as well as constant funding to the so called “mid-table/ mediocre” clubs, which has made the league more competitive than ever.

For Liverpool Football Club, it will be a mammoth task to overtake their bitter rivals Manchester United in terms of number English title. But what they can do this weekend is let football do the talking (hopefully Gerrard will kiss the camera again for the billions of supporters all over the world) and halt United’s momentum ending their unbeaten run.

Form:

Form is out of the window; whenever and wherever there is derby game, teams already fired-up to out-performance their bitter rivals. Liverpool come into this game with job well done in their previous fixture- a Merseyside derby while United drew criticism for their average performance against Norwich. United still remain unbeaten in seven of their games, drawing just one. Liverpool have won four and lost two of their last six fixtures, also won the previous year’s fixture thanks to Dirk Kuyt hat trick, only the second-ever Premier League hat-trick by a player against Manchester United. One weakness displayed by Manchester United this term has been their inability to stop opposition sides creating chances.

The U-18 have already set the tone for this game; United making a comeback from 2 goals down to win it 3-2 in the FA Youth Cup Quarterfinal match. The entire game turned on its head with the award of a penalty and controversial red card for Stephen Sama and retake of penalty. Later, even though United were also reduced to ten men in comical circumstances immediately afterwards, they coped better with the reshuffling and they rode the wave of momentum to come away with a victory.

United have lost their last three Premier League visits to Anfield, not winning since a 1-0 victory in December 2007 when Carlos Tevez scored. This is the club's longest run of defeats at Liverpool under Sir Alex Ferguson - and the longest since losing seven from 1972-79.

Injury Update:

For United, Vidic and Rafael may miss this game still recovering from their long term injury while Tom Cleverly may not feature due lack of training and match fitness; similar is the case with Chris Smalling.

Steven Gerrard is likely to return the start lining presenting a new dynamism to Liverpool’s midfield along with injecting much needed pace. Glenn Johnson and Agger also return to squad.

Manager’s talk:

Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly stated that the match is the biggest fixture of the season but Dalglish disagrees.

Kenny Dalglish: “We've got an opportunity to reduce the gap and it's up to us to take it.

They are a fantastic team, a hugely successful football club, and we know it's going to be a very difficult game. But I think they'll look at it and think exactly the same thing.

I don't have any individual contest with Fergie. It's the football clubs who play. We don't play anymore. We can't really influence it other than in the build-up and preparation for the games. The most important thing for us is how we compete as a team on the pitch.

The head to head (between him and Ferguson) - I haven't got a clue what it is and it doesn't really matter to me anyway. I'm in competition with him because we're competing on Saturday, but over and above that, as I've always said, we're a unit, everyone's got a role to play.”

Key Players:

Steven Gerrard: Alone Luis Suarez cannot carry Liverpool’s attack on his shoulder. He has been lacking the basic services from his midfield compatriots, hence seen frustrated during the game. Everybody is familiar with Gerrard’s ability of pick a pass from anywhere in the pitch. He has done time and again, forming an excellent partnership with Owen and Torres. His sheer presence on the pitch will give a huge lift to the kopites. Dalglish has used his wisely on his return from long term injury, not tempted to give Gerrard a hurried start in Merseyside derby. Steven Gerrard has scored four Premier League goals in this fixture, two short of Robbie Fowler's six-goal record.

  

Wayne Rooney: After all the hullaballoo for the red card during the England’s match for kicking a player, the lad will return to Carrington, and ready to face Liverpool. Although he had below-par performances in the last two games, he is still the orchestrator of United’s attack. United would want him in his top game and continue his scoring run which has seen him reach the top of the Barclays Premier League’s Leading Goal Scorers.

Referee:

Your man in the middle for this one is referee Andrew Marriner.

Probable XI:

Liverpool (4-5-1): Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Srktel, Enrique, Kuyt, Gerrard , Lucas, Adams, Suarez, Caroll.

Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Young, Rooney, Hernandez.

Pre-Match:

 VS 

Britannia Stadium

The Potters entertain table toppers and defending champions Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium, an evening kick-off on a hectic Saturday of Barclays Premier League weekend. Stoke’s impressive start to the campaign was brought to halt by a 4-0 thumping at hands of Sunderland, while run out comfortable winners against Chelsea in bizarre game at Old Trafford. Both the teams were prevailed during the weekend’s Carling Cup fixtures, United against their bitter rivals – Leeds United at Ellan Road while Stoke , at home, needed a penalty shoot-out against Tottenham.

Forward:

Danny Welbeck is declared fit again for United after a hamstring problem as well as Javier Hernandez is available for selection after writhing in agony on the Old Trafford turf due to Ashley Cole’s tackle.

Stoke City issued a confirmation that the hamstring injury suffered by Kenwyne Jones is not as bad as first initially feared. Yet, he is still likely to be sidelined until after next month's international break. The Trinidad and Tobago international limped out of the Carling Cup tie against Spurs on Tuesday evening after pulling up sharply; but a scan has revealed he suffered only minor damage to the hamstring.

United may have initially started this game with one up-top, but the return of Sir Alex’s preferred strikers option puts him into a dilemma. In spite of an off game against Chelsea, Rooney has scored in every game of the premier league and consequently, is top scorer with 9 goals.

Being at home, Stoke would be expected to have real go at this game, and are likely to start with two strikers – Jerome and Crouch. Although both these new acquisitions are yet to open their account, they do fit into the scheme of things perfectly. They Both of them aren’t prolific goal scorerers but they are very good target-men and hold up the ball very well.

Midfield:

Former United trailist Matthew Etherington and Walters have added a bit of flair to Stoke’s game in addition to their old school direct approach. While both provide good pace on the wings, the middle of the park is devoid of creativity. With Stoke you are always bound to get a scrappy, gritty and extremely physical game.

United’s midfield  was pretty sloppy at Old Trafford against Chelsea, at times giving the ball away in their own half ; Sir Alex will demand better ball retention in this game. To counter the physicality of Stoke side, he may include a 5-man midfield as well. If that is the case, Young/ Giggs are likely to play in behind Rooney.

Defence:

Chris Smalling could miss out with a groin strain while Nemanja Vidic and Rafael remain long term absentees. Rio Ferdinand is expected to be back in the starting as Sir Alex looks to calm things down at the back with a more experienced head. Jones has been excellent, slotting right into heart of United’s defence but at times has been a bit rash. It is not going to be a goals galore, so United might as well win this by the virtue of their defence. For De Gea, this is as physical as it can get in the Premier league. Stoke will bombard the penalty box with arrows in the form of Delap’s throw and every set piece will be hoisted in the box. Stoke attacks the ball well; a lot of players have good headers and physical presence.

Stoke’s defence is a foundation of their success in the league. Against Sunderland, it was the first time Stoke had conceded four goals in the league in 16 months. One of the reasons could be that their squad is a bit depleted to compete in all four competitions. Potter’s captain Ray Shawcross will be looking forward to face his ex-employer. Woodgate, another of Pulis’ shrewd buys, provides good experience at the back.

Probable XI:

Stoke City: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Delap, Whitehead, Wilson, Etherington, Walters, Crouch, Jerome.

Manchester United:  De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Young, Rooney.

Pre-Match:
Manchester United Vs Chelsea






VS

Old Trafford

Manchester

On Sunday evening, defending champions Manchester United entertain title contenders Chelsea, in the clash of the titans. With the 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal , Sir Alex Ferguson's side have not lost at Old Trafford since Chelsea prevailed there 17 (532 days to be exact)  months ago and, of the all premier clubs to have visited the Theatre of Dreams, only West Bromwich Albion have left with a point. In the previous season, United inflicted a 3-0 pasting on a formidable title rivals Chelsea team. Although both the teams have unbeaten start to the season, their performance have been contrasting. Chelsea were recently held at the Britannica stadium owing to gritty performance of a Stoke side while United overcame injury worry of Cleverly in the early part of fixture, putting yet another goals galore presentation, thrashing Trotters 5-0 at the Reebok Stadium. This would be first real test for the high-flying champions.

With the additions of Juan Mata and Raul Meireles, they have added creativity to their midfield but they still rely of their full-backs to run down the channels. This has improved the services for their strikers but the players are oriented to play more in center of the park, drifting inwards most of time, which makes their attack one dimensional. Inclusion of Sturridge could rectify the problem to some extent. The transformation will take more games, and this will be a stern test for Andre Vilas Boas. As an ardent studier of his opponent, AVB will notice the contrast of this with the Stoke game and will more determine to come with an effective plan.

United, on the other hand, have approached the games with their traditional 4-4-2 formation with addition of more conventional winger; depending on the skill of their players to provide more flair. Apart from the game at opening round of the season, they have played the game at very high tempo, ripping apart their opponents with ease. That could change and hamper United’s game with forced switch of Tom Cleverly in central midfield. Revitalised Rooney seems to be enjoying his time at the club and being the architecture of United’s attack force.

The only casualty for Chelsea would be Didier Drogba, who is out with concussion apart from the longer absentee Michael Essien. United would welcome Darren Fletcher who missed the start of the campaign with mysterious viral disease. Good news should be that Welbeck is back in the training but will the miss the game. Cleverly is out at least two months after horrendous tackle from Bolton captain, Kevin Davies.

Sir Alex Ferguson on Chelsea: “The new coach has started very well. It’s a hard challenge at his age but he's acquitted himself very well and his team have responded, which is what you hope for as a new manager at a club. It will be a fantastic game; the games with Chelsea over the last seven years have been very close affairs. There's usually only one goal in it and I think it will be tight again on Sunday. They're a team with great experience and they'll pose a challenge to us. Chelsea will be there at the end of the season. There's no doubt about that”

Probable XI:

Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra, Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Meireles, Ramires, Mata , Sturridge, Torres

Pre-Match: Manchester United Vs Tottenham Hotspur

VS

                               Old Trafford, Manchester.

The defending champions, Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night kick-off in a mouth-watering clash between arguably two of the most entertaining teams in the current premier league. But then, Spurs haven’t won against United at home since December 1989; when it was thanks to a solitary goal from Gary Linekar. This Spur side too would face a mammoth task, considering that United picked up 55 points from a possible 57 at home in the 2010-‘11 season. They had a two-goal lead against United at Old Trafford in ‘07-‘08 season and were cruising at half time. Eventually it was calamitous disintegration in 22 minutes which saw an irrepressible attacking force scoring five goals.

Jones’ summer recruitment will prove fruitful, having questioned by many since United already have four centre-backs in their ranks, amidst the current defensive crisis. The England defender, Rio Ferdinand was expected to be out for around six weeks, but Sir Alex has revealed he would be back to face Arsenal at the end of this month. Unfortunately though, he will not team up with his regular defensive partner Nemanja Vidic, since the skipper is likely to be out action for another month due to calf muscle injury. Rafael has had an operation (on his shoulder) this week and will be out for 10 weeks due to a freak incident in training. On the positive front, Patrice Evra is fit again, while both Chicharito and Antonio Valencia are "doing well" in training and Darren Fletcher came through his outing unscathed for the Reserves this week.

The casualties in Spurs are: Gallas (calf strain), Ledley King (knee injury), Palacios (ankle) and Pienaar (groin) and Luka Modric’s participation still remains a doubt, even if fit after injury, considering the speculation about a possible move to Chelsea. Kranjcar has stepped to occasion, administrating the midfield in the Europa league’s qualifying game against Hearts. He always had the ability; now has been given the opportunity.

Fans’ apprehensiveness coupled with media’s scrutiny of the goalkeeper for the past two games; this would be a very important night for De Gea who looked awfully nervous after conceding a speculative effort from the debutant Shane Long. Here is a more worrisome state: Tottenham scored the most number of goals from outside the box last season netting 15 of their 55 league goals. The Spanish stopper actually conceded 11 goals from outside the box in La Liga last season. (Courtesy Martin Tyler’s blog on Sky Sports). The goalkeeper looks light weight and will take at least take four-five months to develop physicality. His vocal and organisation skill will be crucial.

United’s young defensive unit could struggle against Tottenham’s forward line which consist of lethal combination of pace on both the flanks – Lennon and Bale; an intelligent floater Van Der Vaart, and the poacher Defoe who has added immense upper body strength to hold the mightiest of defenders Evra’s experience could be vital to hold off an in-form Aaron Lennon; although Smalling, not the quickest of defenders, could struggle against the pace of Bale. Fletcher should start in the midfield to provide a more defensive cover and add steel to the midfield. The game will hopefully live up to the pre-match expectations and provide goals galore! 

Probable XI:

Manchester United: (4-4-2) De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra, Young, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez.

Tottenham Hotspur: (4-3-2-1) Gomes, Corluka, Kaboul, Dawson, Ekotto, Bale, Huddlestone, Kranjcar, Lennon,Van Der Vaat, Defoe.