Manchester United vs Swansea preview: Louis van Gaal searching for goals against 'ghost team'

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal could leave United, whatever the result against Chelsea

(AFP/Getty)

It’s a big game for…

Manchester United attackers: While United provided a much improved performance against Chelsea, in which they had most of the ball and more chances, they still failed to find the net. They have been plagued by a lack of goals since mid-October, and if they are to try and pull themselves out of their current slumps they must find the goal when they get the chance.

Best stat…

1: Swansea have won just one Premier League game away from home all season, against bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa. Considering that they have played ten away games so far this season, and have drawn a further two, Manchester United should be considered favourites to win, although perhaps a draw is the most likely result.

Remember when…

Now ex-United strikers Robin Van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored twice as United swept past Swansea 4-1 in David Moyes’ first league match in charge of Manchester.

Player to watch…

Lukasz Fabianski: The Swansea goalkeeper has been in good form recently, preventing a couple of Crystal Palace goals on Monday, helping Swansea to their third consecutive clean sheet.

Past three meetings…

Swansea 2 (Ayew, Gomis) Manchester United 1 (Mata), Premier League, August 2015

Swansea 2 (Ki Sung-Yueng, Gomis) Manchester United 1 (Herrera), Premier League, February 2015

Manchester United 1 (Rooney) Swansea 2 (Ki Sung-Yueng, Sigurdsson), Premier League, August 2014

Form guide…

Manchester United: DLLLLD

Swansea: LLLDWD

Vital Information…

Kick-Off Time: 15:00

TV: Highlights on BBC1, 10:30pm