Man Utd vs Swansea Preview: Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Manchester United entertain Swansea City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the third round of the FA Cup.

United saw their six-game winning run ended in controversial fashion on Wednesday as Tottenham ran-out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford with the visitors lucky not to give away at least two penalties on the day.

The defeat has left the defending champions sitting in seventh place in the Premier League table, a full 11 points off leaders Arsenal and five off the top four.

However, David Moyes will be keen to put their stuttering league form behind them tomorrow and focus on Cup matters as Swansea come to the Theater of Dreams.

It’s been a decade since United last lifted the FA Cup and Moyes would love to end that drought this season, and the club haven’t failed to reach the fourth round in 28 years so the pressure is on to progress this weekend.

The Swans arrive in Manchester in poor form having not registered a single victory in their last seven games and with Michael Laudrup desperate to avoid his side being dragged into a relegation battle, he may opt to rest some of his key men for the game.

Team News

Wayne Rooney aggravated a groin problem against Spurs in midweek so is likely to be rested with Javier Hernandez expected to lead the attack.

Robin van Persie is still nursing a thigh problem that’s already kept him out for three weeks while Ashley Young has been ruled out after picking up a shoulder injury last time out.

Moyes is already without Phil Jones, Rafael and Nani but Shinji Kagawa, Rio Ferdinand, Alexander Buttner and Ryan Giggs could all get run-out’s on Sunday.

Swansea will be without playmaker Pablo Hernandez after he limped out of their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in midweek, so Roland Lamah is likely to come in.

Midfielder Leon Britton is also a doubt with sickness and striker Michu is already a long-term casualty along with Michel Vorm and Nathan Dyer. Jonjo Shelvey could get a rest with Alejandro Pozuelo making a rare start.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Danny Welbeck: The England ace is in fine form recently and capped another fine display with a well taken goal against Spurs on Wednesday. With Rooney and RVP likely to be missing, Welbeck will be expected to step up and provide a goal threat.

Predicted Score

Man Utd 2-1 Swansea: Despite making some changes to their starting line-up, we think United will just have enough to edge this one and secure their place in the fourth round.

What line-up do you think Mourinho should select? What’s your score prediction? Share your views below.