Man Utd v Southampton: Preview and Betting Tips | EPL 2025

The Red Devils have taken just one point from their last four EPL matches. Saints have lost 16 of their 20 league matches and are already 10 points from safety.

Match: Man Utd v Southampton
When: Thursday, 16 January 2024, 22:00 SAST
Where: Old Trafford

Man Utd Form

United had a dire run of form but they seem to be slowly turning the corner. Ruben Amorim oversaw a run of six losses in nine matches with just two wins. A 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest was followed by a shock 2-1 win over Man City. Four losses followed, beginning with a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham.

A 3-0 home defeat Bournemouth saw a dire performance before a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle. They looked miles better in a 2-2 draw at Anfield versus Liverpool but still conceded 2.82 xG in that draw. On Sunday, they beat Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup after drawing 1-1 after extra time. They played 60 of the 120 minutes with ten men and showed real resilience.

Man Utd Team News

Man Utd are set to be without six players for this one. Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are injured in defence and Mason Mount is absent in midfield.

Marcus Rashford is set to play no part once again whilst Diogo Dalot is suspended. Tyrell Malacia could play at left wingback although another option to use Amad Diallo in a wingback role.

Man Utd Motivation

Any dropped points here would be a disaster. Southampton are struggling in all facets and simply have to be beaten at Old Trafford.

Man Utd will look to play on the front foot a bit more than we saw against Liverpool and Arsenal. This could open them up to counters from Saints.

Southampton Form

Southampton look certain to be relegated after losing 16 of their 20 EPL matches so far. Their last league win was back in November. A run of four straight losses in all competitions saw five goals shipped to both Chelsea and Tottenham. A 0-0 draw at Fulham in the league saw an improved outing.

Three more league defeats have followed under new coach Ivan Juric. A 1-0 home loss to West Ham was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace and a 5-0 home humiliation by Brentford. On Sunday they beat Swansea 3-0 at home in the FA Cup to boost their confidence.

Southampton Team News

Jack Stephens is injured in defence but both Flynn Downes and Ross Stewart are nearing returns from injury. Coach Ivan Juric has brought Armel Bella-Kotchap back into the picture from the cold and he is under consideration in defence.

Striker Paul Onuachu was dropped against Swansea and Saints may continue with two speedy wide forwards instead in Kamal Sulemana and Tyler Dibling, with Mateus Fernandes behind them.

Southampton Motivation

There is nothing for Southampton to lose at Old Trafford. They will try to be solid and to use fast breaks through their wingers.

A draw would be a good result on paper but any remote chance of survival from relegation needs three-point hauls.

Key Stats

Man Utd have lost 6 of their last 10 matches

Man Utd have lost their last 3 league matches at Old Trafford

Southampton have lost 16 of their 20 EPL matches this season

Saints have conceded just 7 goals in their last 6 away EPL matches

Verdict

Both sides are struggling in the league. The difference in quality should see United win the match but Southampton have been defending quite well on the road of late.

Best Bet: Man Utd Win and Under 3.5 goals at 2.30
Alternate Bet: Man Utd win to zero at 2.25
Goalscorer Tip: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime at 2.10