EPL Matchday 1: Swansea City vs Manchester United Preview

TACTICAL PREVIEW

Almost everybody knows what Swansea would play like, but the interesting part would be David Moyes’s strategy against them. Being the pragmatic manager that he is, overwhelming the Swans with the sheer quality is certainly out of the question.

With the wings not a very viable avenue of attack as Rafael, Nani and Young are absent, midfield becomes the key as United would be forced to play a 3-man midfield. That, or they could play 2 very deep-lying midfielders to protect their defence and then attack on the counter.

Both of these tactics make sense against Swansea, who would use a concentrated 4-man midfield with one inverted winger (Wayne Routledge) and 3 proper midfielders (Pablo Hernandez, Leon Britton and Jonjo Shelvey). Welbeck is sure to start this match as his work-rate would be crucial in disturbing Leon Britton, thereby negating the start of any Swansea attack.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Jonjo Shelvey:

Jonjo Shelvey has a point to prove

This is one man who has everything to gain and nothing to lose at this point. Having been sent down the pecking order at Anfield, he has a point to prove and he certainly does not lack in the talent department now, does he?

His combativeness and energy would benefit Swansea as they had lost points last season mainly due to the lack of cover from midfield in defence. Shelvey’s all-round gameplay would ensure that he would be as useful up the pitch as he would be down it.

Robin Van Persie:

The Flying Dutchman of United was considered the sole reason for their complete and utter domination in last year’s Premier League. If he can carry over that form this season, Moyes certainly would not have anything to worry about in the scoring department.

In a season where the bookies have placed the Red Devils as the third most likely to win EPL behind Pellegrini’s City and Mourinho’s Chelsea, Van Persie would be the deciding factor in the initial phase where Moyes would still be getting used to managing the legacy that is Manchester United.

PIE PREDICTION: Swansea 1-3 Manchester United

Telecast(INDIA): Star Sports and Star Cricket at 9:50 PM