Manchester United fly across to the Saint Mary’s stadium in search of their second three points of the campaign.
Erik Ten Hag’s men blew the headlines with their 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at the Old Trafford earlier this week. In a contest in which they were regarded as the weaker side, Manchester United defied all odds to keep all home three points, leaving Liverpool in despair.
Southampton however quickly got back into fighting spirits after their heavy 4-1 defeat to Spurs in the opening match week. Their matches afterwards have however amassed a commendable four points out of a possible six in their last two games.
With the 12:30 UK time clash in view, let’s take a look at some fun stats and facts:
• Southampton are winless in their last 12 Premier League games against Man Utd (D7 L5), since a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in January 2016.
• After losing four of their last six league games against Southampton at the Dell, Manchester United have lost just once in 14 league visits to St Mary’s (W8 D5) and are unbeaten in their last 11 at the ground since a 1-0 loss in August 2003.
• Southampton have conceded more Premier League goals against Manchester United than they have against any other opponent in the competition (98). If the Red Devils score two more in this game, Southampton would be fifth different opponent they’ve scored 100+ goals against in the Premier League.
• Southampton have lost five of their last seven Premier League home games (W1 D1), with their 1-0 victory against Arsenal the only game in which they’ve not conceded at least two goals in this run.
• Manchester United have lost each of their last seven on the road, the club’s longest away league losing run since December 1936 (run of 10). They’ve conceded four goals in four of these defeats, as many times as they’d shipped 4+ in their previous 143 away league games.
SOUTHAMPTON PREDICTED XI
Goalkeeper: Bazunu
Defenders: Walker-Peters, Salisu, Djenepo, Bella-Kotchap
Midfielder: Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Elyounoussi, Armstrong, Aribo
Forwards: Adams
MANCHESTER UNITED PREDICTED XI
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Defenders: Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Malacia
Midfielders: Casemeiro, Eriksen, Bruno
Forwards: Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford
The home side are still doubtful of Livramento and Perraud being a part of today’s match. Thankfully, it’s a light injury list for Hasenhüttl.
The visitors however have a long injury list with the likes of Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Phil Jones, Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe’s minutes all thrown into a huge uncertainty.
PREDICTED RESULT: 1-1
With both teams snatching their first three points of the season last week in identical 2-1 wins, a two-goal draw is most likely.