Southampton had a fine start to the Premier League campaign. The Saints are currently fifth in the table with 17 points. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side is just three points adrift of the top of the table. The London club is also unbeaten in their last five Premier League games.
Manchester United will look to build upon their Champions League win over Istanbul Başakşehir. They also won 1-0 against West Brom, which made it their first Premier League home win this season. Ole Gunnars Solksjear would want the momentum to continue.
In the latest game between the two, history has been favorable to the Red Devils. However, if recent form is considered Saints have the upper hand. Southampton is yet to win in their previous eight meetings with Red Devils. Although four of their five games have ended on level terms.
Manchester United’s last defeat to the Saints away from home came in 2003. They have come from behind nine times to win against Southampton. However, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side has won their previous three Premier League home games.
Analysis
Southampton may not be a traditional top-six team but they are quite tough to beat. They are not afraid to press and attack the opposition. The London club is comfortable in possession as well even if they are against a traditional top-six team.
However, they have struggled to deal with pace and speed. They often leave space in behind the defence and they pay the price for it. Manchester United have some very pacey forwards in Martial, Rashford and Greenwood.
They also have players like Pogba who can find players in behind defences. But the current United players are very inconsistent. Southampton will be hoping that United bring the game to them. If that happens then they force them and they will have to swing in crosses. They can better defend those if Martial starts the game.
Though not a tactic it has been often seen that the Red Devils often try to win penalties. Many of them have been controversial as well and they will try to do that again. The Saints have to be very careful when defending inside the box.
Team News and Injury Update
Southampton
Danny Igns has been ruled out for six weeks. Redmon, Salisu, Smallbone and Redmond all have been injuried. Though Redmon could feature in this game.
Manchester United
Aaron Wan Bisaaka and Victor Lindelof are in doubts for the game. Wan Bisaaka is suffering from an ankle injury. While Lindelof is suffering from a back problem. Despite this Wan Bisaaka and Lindelof are expected to feature alongside Marcus Rashford. Paul Pogba missed out the Champions League game due to ankle injury. Pogba and Scott McTominay both will miss the game. Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw are long term absentees.
Ones to watch out for
Southampton
Che Adams has been in good form this season. James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu will anchor the midfield. Maya Yoshida will be crucial in defense for the Saints. Nathon Redman has the ability to go, past players, and he is the player to watch out for.
Manchester United
Burno Fernandes will be crucial in this game. Solksjear will be hopeful that Marcus Rashofrd can get back to good form. Donny Van de Beek played well in midweek and he is the player to watch out for.
Southampton vs Manchester United: Head to Head
Manchester United has visited the St. Mary 15 times and they have won 10 times out of these 15 games. Southampton has just once one and drawn four times.
Predicted Line Ups and Prediction
Southampton: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Djenepo; Walcott, Adams.
Manchester United : De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Maguire, Alex Telles; Matic, McTominay; Mata, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Match Predictions: This is probably goinig to be an intense one but is probably going to a 1-1.
