Southampton FC
Manchester United FC
Manchester United FC
Manchester United aiming for three on the bounce but face stern Saints test
Manchester United to win 2-1
Southampton will still be without their star forward Danny Ings, who is halfway through recovering from surgery on his knee.
Despite this, The Saints’ form has not dipped as a result, with 11 points taken from the past 15 available in the league.
They are a team which can play in a similar way regardless of who is in the side and they have a strong mix of youth and experience which has served them well so far.
As for Manchester United, they won back to back league matches for the first time this season last weekend, narrowly edging past 19th placed West Brom with the help of VAR.
They certainly fare a lot better away from home currently, winning all three of their fixtures on the road so far, though Southampton will present a tough test for sure.
This is set to be an entertaining affair.
Form Guide (all comps): DWWWD
Reasons to be cheerful:
Unbeaten in their last seven matches
Won their last three home matches 2-0
Reasons to be fearful:
Nathan Redmond is ruled out due to injury
Man United are in great form on their travels
Despite losing their best player due to injury, Southampton have not felt the effects of not being able to field Danny Ings over the past couple of matches.
He will likely be out until nearer the festive period, but the other attacking players in their squad look capable of picking up the slack in front of goal.
Youngster Che Adams in among the goals while Theo Walcott scored his first goal since re-joining the club in the summer against Wolves last weekend.
Manchester United will represent a different challenge though, particularly with the Red Devils’ away form being so strong at present.
Southampton will have studied United’s last away game, their win against Everton, and saw how they enjoyed counterattacking against a team who are willing to come out and play attacking football against them.
Star Man – Theo Walcott
Looked lively against Wolves last weekend and could have scored more than the one he bagged. Still has pace at 31 years old.
Form Guide (all comps): LLWWW
Reasons to be cheerful
Bruno Fernandes is continuing his inspired form
Away record is in their favour this season
Reasons to be fearful
Never look far away from a bad performance
Awaiting news on several injury concerns
Manchester United have rebuilt some of their confidence on the back of three consecutive victories over the past few weeks.
Unfortunately, with this Manchester United side it is hard to figure out whether this means they are on the up for good, or whether it’s just a phase before another negative performance pops up around the corner.
Southampton are a top side currently and far more than just a one man band, as shown since Danny Ings’ injury. United need to be on top form to get the win here, although they showed against Everton in the last away game, that they can turn on the style when pushed.
They have a number of injury concerns, of course, with the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof struggling from niggles, while the poor form of Anthony Martial begs the question of whether Cavani will get his first start in the league.
Star Man – Bruno Fernandes
The star midfielder has 34 goal contributions in the 35 league matches since he joined in January.
Should be an entertaining, even match
United’s fatigue could play a part
Playing on the counter could suit United
Southampton will come out and try to win the game, as you would expect from a team in 5th playing at home.
This could play into United’s hands, of course, who have been much more comfortable when teams come out rather than sitting back deep.
United played in midweek, whereas Southampton have had a full week of rest, something which could favour the Saints, though at this level United will hope their players are fit enough to cope.
It could swing towards the Saints, but United could just edge this on current away form.
Manchester United to win 2-1
