Premier League
Southampton vs Manchester United Preview
Coming off a late winning goal in Champions League, Manchester United travels to St. Mary’s to face struggling Southampton on Saturday.
Despite having slight success in Champions, the Red Devils are in seventh place and have won just three games in their last eight league fixtures. Their last frustrating outing in league came down to a goalless draw at home against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Mark Hughes’ Saints have mustered just one win and ten goals in the opening 13 league games. Nonetheless, the 55-year-old looks forward to sticking it to Jose Mourinho for his comments that preceded November’s Manchester derby.
“I think Jose said that leading into the derby that Man City had a couple of friendly games, which included our game,” said Hughes. “We actually created more shots on goal against City than United. In fairness, United conceded three and we conceded six. So there is a counter argument to that! But maybe it wasn’t the friendly that Jose was making out.”
Team News
Both sides have no suspension for their matchup on Saturday. However, the Matt Targett is doubtful against United. Additionally, Italian Matteo Darmian and Argentinian Marco Rojo are also in doubt against the Saints.
Mourinho’s side will be without Victor Lindelöf and Alexis Sánchez due to injuries that will likely take them off the pitch until late December and January.
Irish Shane Long and Saint’s top goal scorer Danny Ings will be out with injuries.
United summer signing Diogo Dalot is set to feature and could make his Premier League debut.
Predicted Lineup
Southampton: McCarthy; Soares, Yoshida, Hoedt, Targett; Lemina, Højbjerg; Elyounoussi, Armstrong, Redmond; Gabbiadini.
Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Jones, Smalling, Dalot; Pogba, Matic, Lingard; Martial, Mata, Lukaku.
Prediction
In their last five games, the Red Devils have been unlucky at St. Mary’s Stadium, with a draw and a 0-1 loss. However, the Saints are without a home-win this season, this making it Southampton’s longest ever winless run from the start of a league season at home.
With Sánchez out until January, Romelu Lukaku may get a chance to end his goal drought. He has gone 12 games without a goal, however has six in nine appearances against Southampton.
Nonetheless, both managers are under great pressure and in dire need of a win. Given their recent form, it’s hard to predict or determine a winner. However, United has the names and squad capable of winning away despite the many injuries.
Southampton 0 – 2 Manchester United
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