Team analysis: Manchester United
Manchester United have gone through a significant period of uncertainty in the last few months, with numerous setbacks in key games, but also with several indicators of improvement, which have allowed them to retain minimal hope of a return to form. Coach Ruben Amorim came in with the task of stabilizing a struggling team, although recent form has been erratic. In the last six games, Manchester United did not record a victory in the regular 90 minutes, but achieved a significant game in a draw with Liverpool (2-2) on the road, and Sunday’s success against Arsenal in the FA Cup (5-3 after penalties) could be a turning point. .
What is particularly positive for Manchester United is the fact that they showed great character in games against big rivals, such as Liverpool and Arsenal, although they are still far from stable. Unfortunately, injuries to key players such as Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf have left the team with significant weaknesses, particularly in defence. Adding to that weak spot is the fact that Diogo Dalot is suspended for his red card against Arsenal, meaning Amorim will have to make another tactical shift, potentially bringing in Tyrell Malacia at left-back, while Amad Diallo or Noussair Mazraoui are expected to take over. the right side.
Although Manchester United have home advantage, their form at home has not been convincing enough, with their last three games at Old Trafford ending without a win. However, it should be noted that the “Red Devils” are undefeated in the last 15 matches in the Premier League against Southampton at home, although they have drawn eight times, including the last two meetings. It is expected that the team will show more in this match, with the aim of finally ending the series of bad results at home, although they are still not completely convincing.
Offensively, Manchester United will rely on Højlund, while Bruno Fernandes provides creativity from midfield. However, they need to find a better balance between attack and defense as they managed just one goal in their last defeat against City and have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four Premier League games. If they are to move up the table, especially with the fact that they are currently 13th with just one win in their last seven matches, Manchester United must create more chances in attack and control the game in midfield better.
Team analysis: Southampton
Southampton are currently the worst team in the Premier League this season, with just six points from 20 games and a goal difference of -32. Unlike the previous seasons, when they were able to compete with teams in the middle of the table, this year “Saints” not only cannot match most of the teams from the upper half of the table, but they are also in big trouble on away games. The last 17 games in the Premier League away from home have ended without a win, and it is this weakness on the road that makes them big outsiders in this match.
The latest 5-0 defeat at home to Brentford was just another indication of a general decline in form, with current manager Ivan Juric still unable to create an effective change in the team’s play. Although they achieved a convincing victory against Swansea City (3-0) in the FA Cup, it is difficult to expect greater success against the Premier League, especially on the road against Manchester United. In fact, Southampton only had a few games during the season in which they showed quality, and they mostly struggled in attack, with a large number of defeats with large goal differences.
In addition, Southampton are struggling with injuries and suspensions. Jack Stephens, Juan Larios and Ross Stewart are still sidelined, while Juric is hoping for the return of several key players, such as Matheus Fernandes, who was suspended last week, and Flynn Downes, who missed several games through injury. Southampton still lacks a true leader on the pitch to turn things around, with strikers like Tyler Dibling and Kamaldeen Sulemane unable to cover all the weaknesses the squad has.
Southampton knew how to make an impression at Old Trafford during the last few years, and the draw in March last year (0-0) was one of the few successes of the team against Manchester United, but this is a completely different season and a much more difficult challenge for the “Saints”.
Betting Tip: 1 & 3+
Manchester United are favorites in this match and are expected to win against Southampton, who are currently struggling with disastrous form. Southampton is extremely weak away from home, while Manchester United, although in a changing form, is a team that should use this opportunity to get back into rhythm.
However, aside from Manchester United having the upper hand, this is expected to be a high-scoring game. Southampton have often conceded a lot of goals this season and Manchester United, although not in the best form, have strikers like Højlund and Fernandes who can create chances and score at least two or more goals. In addition, Southampton has serious problems in defense, which further increases the chances of more goals.
Quota 1.83
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