Manchester United will be looking to maintain their winning RUN as they take on Southampton at Old Trafford this Saturday. Winning at Anfield will definitely prove to be a major confidence-boost for the Red Devils, and possibly continue the winning streak. Captain Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game last weekend as Louis van Gaal’s side claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield – a result that saw United move to within two points of the Premier League’s top four. However there are still question marks about whether United can make the top four when checking the latest sports betting odds.
Southampton have recorded back-to-back Premier League wins ahead of their trip to Manchester, but they have struggled on the road, losing each of their last four top flight fixtures away from St Mary’s. They are currently 10th in the Premier League table, eight points behind fifth-placed Manchester United.
Team News
Manchester United
Ashley Young suffered an injury during the first half in the game against Liverpool. Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Michael Carrick are still unclear as to whether they are fit to return. Bastian Schweinsteiger has also recently joined Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw on the sidelines. After stunning everybody in the U21 game against Southampton, Adnan Januzaj is expected to make a return.
Southampton
Southampton are set to be without just two players in Gaston Ramirez and Florin Gardos. Charlie Austin could make his debut at Old Trafford after joining Southampton from Queen’s Park Rangers for £4million last weekend. The 26-year-old striker scored 18 top-flight goals last season and Koeman says he was his number one target this month.
Interesting Facts
• Since 1966, both team played 80 games among them
• United have scored from their last six shots on target in the Premier League
• All five league meetings between Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal have gone in favour of the away manager
• Juan Mata has been involved in four goals in his six league games this season
• 14 of Graziano Pelle’s 16 league goals have come at home
• United have come from behind to beat Southampton on eight times in the Premier League – more than they have against any other opponent
League Head to Head:
20/09/2015 Premier League 2015/2016 Southampton 2 – 3 Manchester United
11/01/2015 Premier League 2014/2015 Manchester United 0 – 1 Southampton
08/12/2014 Premier League 2014/2015 Southampton 1 – 2 Manchester United
11/05/2014 Premier League 2013/2014 Southampton 1 – 1 Manchester United
19/10/2013 Premier League 2013/2014 Manchester United 1 – 1 Southampton
30/01/2013 Premier League 2012/2013 Manchester United 2 – 1 Southampton
Key Men:
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney has been slowly getting back to his usual self, and will definitely be the man to watch out for. For the first time since March 2012, Rooney has scored in four consecutive games for Manchester United. This was not a vintage performance from the skipper, who didn’t look to be dangerous at first, but he emphatically dispatched his chance when it came, and his 176th Premier League goal for United gives him the highest total anyone has managed for one club. Rooney needs to continue his streak to get back to his form, so the Saints will need to watch out for the captain.
Southampton: Graziano Pelle
Although there are several reports of Southampton not being interested in renewing Pelle’s contract at this stage in his career, especially since procuring Charlie Austin, he still is one of their better strikers. Pelle, signed from Feyenoord at the start of last season, has been kept out of the team by a knee injury in recent weeks but is still Saints’ nine-goal top scorer. Pelle has just under 18 months left on his contract and Southampton have a decision to make. Considering how he is a Chelsea target, it will be interesting to see how he fares at Old Trafford in such a situation.
Prediction:
The match is likely to end in a 1-0 victory for Manchester United. United are slowly trudging along the path of redemption, and will be looking for the 3 points, in order to progress higher up the table.
