EPL stats preview: Matchweek 1 – Swansea City vs Manchester United

Robin van Persie of Manchester United in action with Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match

Last season’s League Cup winners, Swansea City, will take on Premier League Champions Manchester United on opening of 2013/14 season. Swansea surprised everyone with a ninth place finish in the league last season. They will again be looking to improve upon their standings this time around and what better way to start than defeating the defending Champions.

On the other hand, Manchester United manager David Moyes will be looking for a positive result in his first game in charge since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson. For United, the summer has revolved around Wayne Rooney’s future and with no big summer signings as yet fans will be looking to Robin van Persie to continue his great form after a remarkable first season at in which he scored 26 League goals.

Let’s look at what stats have to offer for Swansea City vs Manchester United

- Swansea have not defeated Manchester United since January 1982 and have not beaten them in the Premier League in their previous four meetings.

- Swansea ended a run of six successive opening-day defeats with a 5-0 win at Queens Park Rangers last season.

- Swansea have conceded at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches in the Premier League.

- Swansea have failed to score in their last 3 home matches in the Premier League.

- Manchester United won more away games than any other Premiership League team last season – 12.

- Manchester United are undefeated in 24 of their last 26 matches in the Premier League.

- Van Persie scored 26 goals last season, more than all Machester United’s other forwards put together.

- Machester United lost their opening Premier League match of last season, a 1-0 away defeat to Everton.

- Manchester United came from behind to claim 29 points in the Premier League last season. Only Newcastle in 2001-02 (34) have claimed more from losing positions.