Man United vs Southampton – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Southampton at Old Trafford in the English Premier League on Saturday in the early kickoff. Ralf Rangnick’s side has not been performing at their best of late and sits outside the Champions League places. His protégé Ralph Hasenhüttl has just overseen a sublime performance to win at Tottenham. That victory pushed his side into the top half. This fixture ended 9-0 to Man Utd last season.

Man United Form

Rangnick has done an okay job since arriving with steady results. His nine Premier League matches have brought just a single defeat. After beating Burnley 3-1, 1-0 home loss to Wolves followed as they conceded late in a tepid performance. They could not control the next game and drew 2-2 at Aston Villa having led 2-0.

Consecutive wins followed at Brentford (3-1) and vs West Ham (1-0 with a last-minute win). They then dominated but missed clear chances and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough after a 1-1 draw and penalties. Their most recent match saw United lead through Paul Pogba but Burnley pegged them back in the second half to take a 1-1 draw.

Man United Team News

Man Utd will likely recall Cristiano Ronaldo to start upfront at the expense of Edinson Cavani. Victor Lindelof is fit again but may only be on the bench. Fred and Alex Telles both have COVID-19 so miss out with Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw to continue their usual spots.

The team largely picks itself with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho down the flanks. Jesse Lingard is pushing for more minutes whilst Nemanja Matic as an extra defensive shield is another option.

Man United Motivation

United are outside the top four after their draw last time out. Nothing less than a win is needed at home with four sides all challenging them for a Champions League spot.

Rangnick’s side will look to dominate but they’ve not been able to do that and there is little sign of the coach’s famed high pressing.

Southampton Form

The Saints are in some good form. Aside from beating two lower league teams in the FA Cup, their Premier League displays have been good. Their last seven matches have seen just one defeat with a crucial 12 points accrued (W3, D3). A 3-2 win at West Ham was followed by a resolute display with ten men for 51 minutes to draw 1-1 with Tottenham.

A 4-1 thrashing of Brentford followed and then a 3-1 defeat at Wolves. They bounced back from that defeat to take a 1-1 draw with Man City for their second share of the spoils with the champions this season. Their most recent match saw a brilliant performance to win 3-2 away at Tottenham despite being 2-1 down after 79 minutes. Armando Broja, Mohamed Elyounoussi, and Che Adams scored the goals.

Southampton Team News

Saints are not expected to make any changes from the midweek win against Tottenham. Tino Livramento is fit again to give more options at fullback but may only be a substitute.

Nathan Redmond, Nathan Tella, Alex McCarthy, and Lyanco remain unavailable. The in-form Armando Broja will lead the attack alongside Che Adams.

Southampton Motivation

Southampton has taken points off big sides this season such as Man City, Man Utd, and Spurs. Belief and motivation will be extremely high.

They are expected to play an attacking game, looking to press high and commit men into the box. They may be quite happy with a draw but aren’t going to set up to play for one from the start.

Key Stats

Man Utd have drawn 3 of their last 5 matches (all comps)

Man Utd have won just 4 of their last 9 home PL matches

United have conceded in 9 of 11 PL matches at home this term

Man Utd won this fixture 9-0 last season

Southampton have lost 1 of their last 7 PL matches (W3, D3)

Saints have seen Both Teams Scoring in their last 7 PL matches

9 of Saints’ last 12 PL matches have seen over 2.5 goals

5 of the last 8 matches between these teams have ended in draws

Verdict

Man Utd is not playing very well and results are only okay. Southampton is in some great form and will be high on confidence. They look decent value to take a point from Old Trafford.

Best Bet: Both teams to score at 1.71
Alternative Bet: Southampton win/draw double chance at 2.40
Value Bet: Draw at 4.05
Correct Score Tip: Man Utd 1-1 Southampton at 7.50

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis