Southampton v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Southampton will face Manchester United in the English Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday. The hosts are yet to secure any points, having suffered three defeats, while United have lost their last two matches. Three of the last four meetings between these sides have ended in draws.

Southampton Form

Russell Martin’s Southampton finished fourth in the Championship last season and secured promotion through the play-offs. They defeated Leeds 1-0 in the final to return to the top flight. During their 46 regular-season matches, they scored 87 goals but conceded 63, ranking just 14th in terms of defensive records.

Southampton started this season with a 1-0 loss to a ten-man Newcastle. Despite 78% possession and 19 shots, they failed to score. A 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest followed, with 65% possession but only five shots attempted. After thrashing Cardiff 5-3 in the Carabao Cup, they lost 3-1 to Brentford last weekend, allowing 2.78 xG and 20 shots, despite holding 67% possession.

Southampton Team News

Southampton will be without injured goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, with Aaron Ramsdale brought in as his replacement. Kamaldeen Sulemana is sidelined with an ankle injury but has fallen out of favor anyway. Young midfielder Mateus Fernandes is pushing for a start, as is Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu.

Cameron Archer could be selected over Adam Armstrong to partner Ben Brereton Diaz up front. Veteran Adam Lallana, who assisted a goal against Brentford, is not expected to start.

Southampton Motivation

Southampton play a high-possession game in a 3-5-2 formation and will aim to dominate possession against Manchester United.

Opponents this season have often allowed Southampton to keep the ball and then exposed their weaknesses down the flanks.

Man Utd Form

United ended last season with successive league wins: 3-2 against Newcastle and 2-0 at Brighton. They also secured a 2-1 victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. This season began with the Community Shield, where United conceded late against City and lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

On the opening day of this season, a late winner gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory over Fulham, producing 2.43 xG in the process. However, they followed that with a 2-1 loss to Brighton, conceding in the dying moments. Last weekend, they were comprehensively outclassed in a 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool.

Man Utd Team News

United remain without Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, and new defender Leny Yoro due to injuries. This match may also come too soon for Rasmus Højlund, meaning Joshua Zirkzee is expected to lead the line.

Bruno Fernandes is a slight doubt but should be fit to start. Victor Lindelöf and Luke Shaw are nearing returns and could make the bench for this match.

Man Utd Motivation

Having lost their last two matches, this is a must-win game for United. Anything less than a victory would be seen as a disappointing result.

United are aware that Southampton will dominate possession, so they may sit back, allow Southampton to have the ball, and look to exploit the spaces on the counter.

Key Stats

Southampton have lost all three of their leagues matches this season.

Southampton have drawn three of their last four matches against Manchester United.

Manchester United have lost their last two EPL matches (5 wins in their last 11).

Manchester United have scored just 3 goals in their last 4 matches (after scoring 2+ goals in 8 of their previous 11).

Verdict

Both sides will be desperate to avoid extending their losing streaks. Although Southampton may play well, United should prove too strong in the attacking third.

Best Bet: Manchester United win at 1.74

Value Bet: Manchester United win (-1 handicap) at 2.85

Goalscorer Tip: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime at 2.50