Manchester United head into their first real challenge this season, as they now face six away trips in their next seven games. The visit to St Mary’s is followed by a European rendezvous to Moscow. There’s no better time to test Manchester United’s strength in depth.
Manchester United will visit the Saints with the wind in their sails, after a blistering start to the campaign. They are only one of two teams still to taste defeat in the league and will look to stretch that.
Southampton are steadying ship under new boss Manuel Pellegrino. A win against Manchester United could be just the lift their season needs. The Saints boss does not have any injury concerns and is left with a full-strength squad.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have a few notable absentees for the encounter. Marcos Rojo, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain sidelined, while Luke Shaw is still a few games away from making a return to league football.
On paper, this would seem to be a victory for Manchester United. However, their visit to St Mary’s last season resulted in a draw. Given the influx of players at both the clubs, we could be seeing a closer contest this time around.
Let us look at the Man Utd vs Southampton line up prediction.
Goalkeeper:
David de Gea
Manchester United’s #1 will return to goal after being rested in the league cup encounter against Burton Albion. It will be a tricky away feature and the Spaniard will have to be at his best.
Defence:
Young – Bailly – Jones – Valencia
Jose Mourinho will be tempted to field the same back 4 that started in the 4-0 victory over Everton. Antonio Valencia would be the obvious choice at RB, and the defensive pairing of Bailly and Jones will be preferred over the rest, with Ashley Young continuing his role at LB.
Midfield:
Fellaini – Mata – Matic
Nemanja Matic will continue his important role at the centre of midfield in this vital away fixture. Marouane Fellaini is Mourinho’s go-to-man for such fixtures, and he would be expected to start alongside the Serbian in defensive midfield. Juan Mata played just 45 minutes of the league cup tie against Burton and will be expected to feature in attacking midfield against the Saints.
Attack:
Mkhitaryan – Lukaku – Rashford
Manchester United’s attack has been in fine form this season, and Jose Mourinho will be hoping for more of the same from his front-men.
Here’s the Man Utd vs Southampton line up prediction:
