Premier League Preview: Manchester United vs Southampton

Struggling Premier League duo Manchester United and Southampton lock horns at Old Trafford on Thursday night, both looking to build on positive results from last weekend’s FA Cup action.

This clash marks the first meeting between the two sides since September last year, when United secured a resounding 3-0 victory over the Saints at St Mary’s courtesy of goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

Manchester United: Searching for Momentum

Manchester United enter Thursday’s clash desperate to steady the ship after a challenging run of form. Despite failing to win any of their last six matches across all competitions in regulation time, there have been glimmers of promise. A hard-fought 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool and a dramatic FA Cup penalty-shootout triumph over Arsenal – thanks to a heroic display from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir – have offered reasons for optimism.

Manager Ruben Amorim praised his team’s resilience and fighting spirit during their recent performances, urging his players to channel that determination into climbing the Premier League table. Currently 15th, the Red Devils are just six seven above the relegation zone and remain a shadow of the dominant force they once were.

United’s home form is particularly concerning, with three consecutive league defeats at Old Trafford. However, with a favorable run of games against teams outside the top eight, starting with bottom-placed Southampton, this match presents a golden opportunity for the Red Devils to kickstart their recovery. Encouragingly, United are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League meetings with the Saints, although eight of those have ended in draws – including the last two at Old Trafford.

United will be without veteran Jonny Evans as well as Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount. Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot is suspended following his red card against Arsenal. This could see Tyrell Malacia return at left wing-back, while Noussair Mazraoui or Amad Diallo may start on the right flank.

Manager Ruben Amorim might also consider handing a starting berth to Joshua Zirkzee in attack, potentially in place of Rasmus Hojlund.

Southampton: A Season of Struggles

Southampton’s return to the Premier League has been nothing short of disastrous. After 20 matches, the Saints sit rock bottom with just six points and a -32 goal difference – officially making them the worst team in Premier League history at this stage.

Even Derby County’s infamous 2007-08 season fared better, as they had accumulated more points by this point. New head coach Ivan Jurić faces an uphill battle to close the 10-point gap to safety.

Jurić has endured a torrid start, overseeing three straight Premier League defeats, including a humiliating 5-0 loss at home to Brentford. However, Southampton found brief respite in the FA Cup, comfortably dispatching Swansea City 3-0 on Sunday with a brace from rising star Tyler Dibling and a goal from Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The Saints head to Manchester with a dire away record – winless in their last 17 league trips – but they’ve managed to avoid defeat in seven of their last 10 league visits to Old Trafford (two wins and five draws). Their last Premier League encounter in Manchester ended in a 0-0 stalemate in March 2023.

Jack Stephens, Juan Larios, and Ross Stewart all remain sidelined for the Saints. However, Flynn Downes could return after recovering from a thigh injury, while Will Smallbone is in contention following his comeback against Swansea.

Midfielder Matheus Fernandes is available after serving a suspension, and Tyler Dibling – linked with a move to United – will likely feature in attack alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana and one of Cameron Archer, Paul Onuachu, or Adam Armstrong.

Possible Starting Lineups of Manchester United and Southampton

Manchester United: Andre Onana – Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez – Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia – Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes – Joshua Zirkzee. (3-4-2-1)
Southampton: Aaron Ramsdale – Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Mason Holgate – James Bree, Lesley Ugochukwu, Matheus Fernandes, Kyle Walker-Peters – Tyler Dibling, Cameron Archer, Kamaldeen Sulemana. (3-4-3)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

For those eyeing Thursday’s clash from a betting perspective, Manchester United are heavy favorites at odds of -333 on EveryGame to secure a much-needed victory at Old Trafford. A shock win for Southampton is priced at a generous +800, while a draw is available at +450, reflecting the Saints’ uphill battle against the Red Devils.

If you’re expecting a dominant performance from United, the Half Time/Full Time – Manchester United/Manchester United market offers a tempting option at -137. With both teams struggling defensively and averaging high goal concessions, bettors might also consider goal-scoring markets, such as Both Teams to Score, as an intriguing alternative.

With both teams conceding a combined 72 Premier League goals this season, defensive frailties are expected to play a significant role in Thursday night’s showdown. United have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league matches, while Southampton have conceded in 18 of their 20 league outings.

Even though Southampton’s FA Cup success over Swansea City provides a morale boost, Manchester United’s superior quality and Old Trafford advantage should see them edge this clash. Securing a Premier League victory could serve as a crucial catalyst for Ruben Amorim’s side to rebuild their confidence and reignite their campaign.

Spooky Express Free Play: Half Time / Full Time – Manchester United / Manchester United -137 at EveryGame for 8/10 Units