Preview: Swansea vs Manchester United

Swansea go into this game against Manchester United in decent mood having started the season with two away draws and a home victory against Newcastle.

A year after Wilfried Bony was banging in the goals for the Swans, Bafetimbi Gomis has picked up the mantle at the start of this term with three in three games.

The Frenchman’s great form has also been due to Jeferson Montero and his terrific wing play, plus balls provided from Jonjo Shelvey, who is set to earn an England call-up following this clash.

Swansea have won three of their last four games against United, including the double last year, and with Shelvey creating more chances than any other player in the Premier League so far (13) this record could continue against what has been an underwhelming United side in the league this season.

Garry Monk has been helped by the lack of injuries in his squad, and with the second string players easily dispatching York City in the League Cup confidence must be sky high.

Monk won’t want to change much in his team from last week’s draw at Sunderland with the only debate being the selection of either Jack Cork or Ki Sung-Yeung.

Manchester United cruised into the Champions League group stages on Wednesday with Wayne Rooney returning to form with a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Club Brugge.

The Red Devils need to take this into the league where they have scored only twice so far, while Rooney has not scored for nine domestic games – his longest drought since 2003.

The lack of goals has been countered by a defensive record that has surprised many. A spine of Sergio Romero, Daley Blind and Chris Smalling was not the preferred pick of most fans but they have let in only one in five games so far and none in the Premier League. The five shots on target that the Red Devils’ defence have faced in the league is also fewer than any other side.

David De Gea’s exclusion to from the side continues as he sits on a possible transfer to Real Madrid and Adnan Januzaj picked up a knock in Belgium so also misses out.

Marcos Rojo could appear for the first time at some stage after stepping up his fitness following his summer Copa America exploits.

Ander Herrera may come into the XI following his impressive performance in midweek but Phil Jones is still out with a blood clot in his leg.

League Position: Swansea – 6th, 5 pts; Man United – 3rd, 7 pts
Last Meeting: Swansea 2-1 Man United, February 2015
Key Men: Swansea – Jonjo Shelvey; Man United – Wayne Rooney
Form: Swansea – DWD; Man United – WWD
Shoot Says: 1-1