Manchester United v Swansea: Carlos's crew will go home without a point

Manchester United 1.26 v Swansea 14.50; The Draw 6.60
Saturday, 15:00

International break depletes Manchester United

Manchester United's March may have been sullied by their surprise Champions Leagueelimination, but they otherwise picked up some useful results.

They fought back to beat Crystal Palace and then took three points against Liverpool, to pretty much ensure Champions League qualification for next season. Their last outing was against Brighton in the FA Cup, in which they successfully booked their place in the semi-finals.

If United can claim second and perhaps win the FA Cup then they can claim to have had a season, in which they've progressed, but there still looks like there's a lot of work to do before they're ready to challenge for the title. Jose Mourinho is no nearer to knowing his best XI, as he continues to wrestle with the selection problems caused by his unbalanced squad.

Mourinho's job has not been made easier by the international break, with Scott McTominay, Sergio Romero and Ashley Young all returning with knocks. That trio could join the previously injured Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Phil Jones on the sidelines.

Swansea still under threat

For all the improvement that Swansea have made under Carlos Carvalhal, they are still at threat of relegation.

Only three points currently separates them from the relegation zone. Considering that Swansea have lost only twice in ten Premier League outings since Carvalhal took charge, it says much for how much trouble they were in when the former Sheffield Wednesdaymanager arrived.

In their last Premier League outing Swansea did well to claim a point away at Huddersfield, after Jordan Ayew was sent off after just eleven minutes. Ayew has been a vital figure during Swansea's revival and will be much missed at Old Trafford.

The forward will serve the second match of a three game ban. Swansea will also be without the injured Wilfried Bony, Leroy Fer, Renato Sanches and Angel Rangel.

Clean sheet for United

Manchester United are the 1.26 favourites, with the draw at 6.60 and Swansea out at 14.50.

The price accurately reflects United's reliable form at home, but is too small to recommend. Instead back Manchester United to Win To Nil at 1.85. Mourinho's team have kept clean sheets in four of their last seven home matches in the Premier League, while Swansea will pose less of a threat without the injured Ayew.

Swansea could shut up shop

Over 2.5 goals is the favourite at 1.83, with unders at 2.14.

Swansea have become a much more attacking and dynamic side under Carvalhal, but six of their ten league games during his brief reign have seen less than three goals. They successfully shut up shop when reduced to ten men against Huddersfield and a similar outlook might be their best bet of getting a result at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's last five games against opposition in the bottom half of the Premier League, have seen under 2.5 goals land on four occasions.

Lukaku can add to tally

Romelu Lukaku's last 11 games have seen the in-form striker score eight goals. He most often finds the net against struggling teams and scored in the reverse fixture at the start of the season.

The Belgian is 1.95 to score and is 4.00 to open the scoring.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Manchester United to win to nil at 1.85

Back Lukaku to score at 1.95