Premier League football resumes at St Mary’s this Saturday lunchtime, as Southampton host Manchester United, with the Saints still looking for their first win back in the top flight.
Both managers will be looking for a response from their players, as the hosts are yet to even earn a point so far and sit in 19th position, whilst the visitors need to bounce back following a humiliating derby loss to Liverpool on home soil.
Form
Southampton: LLWL
The Saints have endured a torrid start to their return to the Premier League following their promotion through winning the Championship Play-Off final.
Russell Martin’s style of play requires bravery and does involve a huge element of risk, and that peril has endangered them several times already, despite the campaign still being in it’s infancy.
Three league games have resulted in three losses at the hands of Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Brentford with several of the goals they have conceded being down to their own making.
A small positive was their progression into the third round of the Carabao Cup after they were on the right side of a 5-3 thriller with Cardiff City in the Welsh capital.
Their reward is a tie away at Goodison Park to face Sean Dyche’s Everton next midweek.
Manchester United: DWLL
After an encouraging start to the campaign, Manchester United’s form has completely derailed, and the train crashed at Anfield prior to the pause for international fixtures.
The Red Devils failed to show up as the two most successful clubs in England went to battle once again. A Luis Diaz brace and an inevitable Old Trafford goal for Mohamed Salah condemned United to yet another defeat on derby day.
That slender opening day triumph over Fulham seems a long time ago now, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping this break in play can be treated as a reset for his players.
Last Meeting: Manchester United 0-0 Southampton, Premier League, 12th March 2023
Despite the score line, the last encounter was anything but a dull affair, as both sides exchanged blows throughout the game. The deadlock wasn’t broken, but the game wasn’t short of drama.
Casemiro was sent off for a high and reckless challenge on Carlos Alcaraz and his red card was of greater significance than usual, as it didn’t just earn him an early bath. It also meant he was banned for four games due to his poor discipline in previous matches, a decision that left the Brazilian in tears on the pitch at Old Trafford.
Southampton were rooted to the bottom of the Premier League at the time and their failure to take advantage of Casemiro’s sending off summed up their season. They ended up propping up the table and were relegated into the Championship.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton: Ramsdale, Sugawaru, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Dibling, Downes, Lallana, Archer, Brereton Diaz
Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee
Who is the referee?
Stuart Attwell
What channel is Southampton vs Manchester United on?
Southampton vs Manchester United will be shown on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
What time is kick off?
Kick off at St. Mary’s Stadium is at 12:30 BST on Saturday 14th September 2024
Odds
Southampton: 7/2
Draw: 11/4
Manchester United: 7/10
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