Man Utd v Southampton – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Southampton at Old Trafford . The visitors have won two of their last three league matches under Ruben Selles to move just two points from safety. The Red Devils are in superb home form and will want to get back to winning ways in the league after losing 7-0 at Liverpool a week ago.

Man Utd Form

United have played 22 matches in 77 days since the World Cup, but their form has been consistently excellent despite the lack of rest. They went unbeaten in eight after the hiatus (seven wins) before losing at Arsenal. An 11-match run without losing followed as they knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League (4-3 on aggregate) and lifted their first trophy in six years, beating Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.

After a 3-1 FA Cup win at home to West Ham, United were thrashed 7-0 at Anfield by Liverpool. They only allowed eight shots on target but everything broke for the Reds despite an even first half. Erik Ten Hag kept the same XI in midweek and his side beat Real Betis 4-1 to take a big step towards the Europa League quarter-finals. His entire front four were on the scoresheet.

Man Utd Team News

The Red Devils remain without Anthony Martial up front and Christian Eriksen in midfield. Wout Weghorst and Fred will continue in their places.

Not many changes to the XI are expected but fatigue must be an issue for some players. It’s more likely we will see some key men substituted early if Man Utd are leading.

Man Utd Motivation

At home, Man Utd are in great form and playing with top confidence. Their last 19 matches at Old Trafford have seen 17 wins and two draws.

They will attack and will want to win in front of their supporters once again after letting them down at Anfield. Nothing less than three points will be good enough.

Southampton Form

Saints had won two of their last three league matches since sacking Nathan Jones. Five successive losses, three in the league and two in the League Cup semis sacked the former Luton coach dismissed. The final straw was a 2-1 home loss to Wolves despite having a 1-0 lead against ten men.

Caretaker coach Ruben Selles took his side to Stamford Bridge and picked up a 1-0 win at Chelsea. They lost 1-0 at Leeds in a key league match after that and 2-1 at home to Grimsby in the FA Cup. They bounced back to beat Leicester 1-0 at home last time out despite allowing 1.93 Expected Goals.

Southampton Team News

Last week’s match winner Carlos Alcaraz is a doubt due to knee pain but he should be fit to play off Che Adams. Tino Livramento is still out and left-back Romain Perraud could be left out with Kyle Walker-Peters playing on that side.

January signings Paul Onuachu could remain on the subs bench with the tall striker used as an impact sub. Mohamed Salisu is set to lose out to Jan Bednarek in central defence.

Southampton Motivation

Saints are a point off safety but goal difference effectively means they’re two points from moving out of the drop zone. They would take a point here and will defend for their lives as they did in the win at Chelsea.

A tight, narrow 4-4-2 defensive shape is expected with Walcott and Sulemana’s pace being used on the break.

Key Stats

Man Utd’s last 19 home matches have seen 17 wins and 2 draws

Man Utd’s Rashford has scored 17 goals in 21 matches since the World Cup

Man Utd have scored 2+ goals in 13 of their last 14 matches (all competitions)

Southampton have lost 8 of their 13 away EPL matches

Saints have conceded 41 goals in 25 matches

Southampton have lost 16 of their 25 league matches

Verdict

Man Utd should be too strong for Southampton, even with Saints’ recent improvements and greater commitment. Rashford will be licking his lips in this one and backing United on the handicap looks to be the smart move.