English Premier
2013-05-12 - Manchester United vs Swansea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 12 May 2013 - Kick Off 4pm
This game is live on TV
Manchester United
Goodbye Sir Alex Ferguson... It will be an emotional day at Old Trafford as the man who has been in charge of the club for 26 years takes charge for his final home game as manager of Manchester United. The news was suspected by a few Manchester United fans, but the confirmation has still sent many into a spin as a whole generation will not have seen the club under the management of any other person.
It was the perfect way to bow out for 71 year old Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United had already been confirmed as Champions after dominating the Premier League. Much of the success came at Old Trafford where Manchester United have won 15 of their 18 League games, although United have recently come off the boil since winning the title.
The last two performances for Manchester United have been a little flat to say the least as they drew 1-1 at Arsenal before being beaten 0-1 here against Chelsea last weekend. United have only won 2 of their last 6 home games in all competitions and they have lost 3 of those games.
Paul Scholes has also announced his retirement, this time 'for good', and he is available for selection. Wayne Rooney, Rafael and Danny Welbeck should all miss out for different reasons.
Swansea
It is going to be tough for Swansea as the other team at Old Trafford, but they have their own motivations to finish this season to think they will give this a good go. The performance that Michael Laudrup's men put in the second half against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday show that they are still focused on the season despite not having a lot to play for and I don't think they come to Old Trafford and roll over for Manchester United.
There is every chance that Swansea are going to finish in the top half of the Premier League table and they are 2 points from surpassing their tally from last season under Brendan Rodgers. The side are 9th in the table and they have a 5-5-9 away record, while scoring 18 goals and conceding 23.
Swansea had failed to win any of their previous 7 games in the Premier League before the win at Wigan on Tuesday night, but they have only lost 1 of their last 5 games in the League. The side had lost 4 of their previous 5 away games in the Premier League before the win at the DW Stadium on Tuesday.
Angel Rangel is a doubt for this one, but the likes of Michu and Chico Flores should return to the squad.
Head to Head
Manchester United drew 1-1 with Swansea at the Liberty Stadium earlier this season.
Last season, United beat Swansea 2-0 here at Old Trafford and they have won 6 in a row at home against Swansea over the years.
Prediction
It is hard to know exactly how the players will deal with the emotions that will be surrounding the day, but I imagine Manchester United will do everything to send Sir Alex off with a couple more wins.
I can see the players trying to get off to a fast start and Swansea to perhaps be affected a little more than the ones in the United starting line up so I will take the home side to be leading at half time before going on to win the game.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester United 2-0 Swansea
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Manchester United-Manchester United HT-FT @ 1.85 (Bet Victor)
