After another dull international break, the final one ahead of the World Cup in Russia this summer, the Premier League is back this weekend. It’s time now to forget about the meaningless friendlies and look forward to the league fixtures which will soon be upon us.
Manchester United welcome Swansea City to the Theatre of Dreams the day after tomorrow, so let’s take a look at the injury and fitness situation for both teams. United will be looking to secure three points from this one and hopefully finish as runners-up to their crosstown rivals Manchester City.
For the Red Devils, Daley Blind (ankle injury), Phil Jones (thigh injury) and Marcos Rojo (simple knock) are not expected to feature in this one. Forward Anthony Martial (ankle issue) has recovered, as he played for the France national team in midweek, so he’ll be available again. However, Scott McTominay (ankle problem) is now a doubt after being forced to withdraw from Scotland’s squad in their contest against Costa Rica.
Ander Herrera (thigh injury) is fit again, declaring that he is ready to return after a month out. Ashley Young appeared to hurt his knee in England’s 1-1 draw with Italy, but he seems to be okay, and is expected to play.
For the Swans, they are three points clear of the relegation zone, and they’ll be focused on staying in the safety part of the table. Renato Sanches and Angel Rangel face late fitness tests in order to be ready, but Leroy Fer and Wilfried Bony are out for this one.
Odds via Bet365: Man Utd 1/4, draw 5/1, Swansea City 9/1
Match injury/fitness report: go to this link
Mourinho press conference video: coming Friday
Prediction: United 2, Swansea 0
As always feel free to post your own MUFC starting XI and match score predictions in the comments section below.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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