The first Premier League encounter of the weekend takes place at The Liberty Stadium as Swansea City host Manchester United in Wales. Swansea City began their season in solid style with a 0-0 draw away at Southampton last weekend and manager Paul Clement will have been delighted to have kept a clean sheet, something his side struggled to do last season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United were superb in their 4-0 demolition of West Ham United on Sunday as new man Romelu Lukaku helped himself to two goals against the Hammers.
Swansea City
One of last season’s star men, Gylfi Sigurdsson finally completed his £45m transfer to Everton this week and Paul Clement will be hoping that he will be able to reinvest most of that money back into his squad. Swansea City missed last season’s top scorer Fernando Llorente against Southampton, but the Spanish striker may return on Saturday to partner Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham in attack. Paul Clement did a superb job in keeping the Swans in the league last season and he will be hoping to kick on this time around and avoid another relegation battle.
Manchester United
Manchester United currently sit atop the Premier League table and Jose Mourinho will be hoping to stay there for the entire season. His side were irresistible against West Ham United as Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba linked well whilst new man Nemanja Matic completely bossed the central midfield area. Mourinho has built a team who look capable of winning the title this season and he is expected to name an unchanged side this weekend with no fresh injury worries.
Talking Points
- Romelu Lukaku has three goals in two games so far; will he add to his account against Swansea City?
- Can Swansea City stop Manchester United? After an impressive pre-season and opening game, Manchester United look in the mood this season.
- How will Swansea City cope without Gylfi Sigurdsson? The Icelandic star scored 10 times last season and assisted a further 13 more.
Prediction
Manchester United were brilliant last weekend against West Ham United and I’m backing them to pick up another comfortable win this Saturday against Swansea City. A lot of teams will struggle to cope with Manchester United’s pace and physicality this season and I’m expecting Lukaku to help himself to another goal on Saturday.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Despite being away from home, Manchester United are big favourites for this one at odds of 4/11 whilst Swansea City are 17/2 to pick up a victory. The draw is available at 7/2, but I can only really see this game going one way. Romelu Lukaku is 3/1 to open the scoring and 4/1 to score two or more and you’d fancy the Belgian to find the back of the net again this weekend. Swansea City struggled in front of goal against Southampton and so the Manchester United to win and BTTS (NO) bet at Evens looks great value to me.
Manchester United to win and BTTS (NO) – 1/1