Manchester United vs Southampton – Sunday, 2:00pm
Manchester United responded well to their Anfield mauling by beating Real Betis in midweek, and should overpower lowly Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Predicted score
Suggested bets
- Manchester United to win and both teams to score – 11/5
- Correct score – Man United 3-1 Southampton – 10/1
- Over 2.5 goals – 5/8
- Marcus Rashford to score and Man United to win – 1/1
*Prices subject to fluctuation.
Key stats
- Manchester United are unbeaten in 20 home games – winning 18 of them
- Southampton haven’t beaten Man United in 14 attempts
- Southampton’s last win over Man United came in 2016
- The last four games between these clubs at Old Trafford have produced 20 goals
- Southampton have picked up more points away than at home (12 vs 9) this season
Team news
Manchester United will be without long-term absentees Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen as they recover from knee and ankle injuries.
Anthony Martial will also miss out with a groin/hip injury, while Marcel Sabitzer remains a doubt.
Southampton, on the other hand, could have Carlos Alcaraz back in the fold in time for the trip to Old Trafford.
Juan Larios and Valentino Livramento are currently being assessed, though they’re not expected to feature.
Recent form
Manchester United were able to put their Liverpool thrashing behind them as they recovered in style in the Europa League on Thursday.
An emphatic 4-1 win over Real Betis in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash continued United’s impressive unbeaten run at home.
The Red Devils haven’t lost at home since September and have won 18 of their last 20 games at Old Trafford.
Southampton, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.
Saints seemed bound for relegation under the stewardship of Nathan Jones, however victories over Chelsea and Leicester since his sacking have galvanised a feeling of hope around St Mary’s.
Ruben Selles and his men will be major underdogs this Sunday, though they will be encouraged by the fact most of their points this season have come on the road.
Manchester United vs Southampton – Verdict
The Red Devils enter the weekend with a seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Liverpool, though a slip-up against Southampton could see that gap narrow.
Realistically speaking, the chances of a slip-up are slim. Southampton have picked up two wins from their last three games, though a rejuvenated United side should have few problems powering past the relegation contenders.
Southampton currently boast the fourth worst defence and the third worst attack in the league. What’s more, they haven’t managed to beat Man United in 14 attempts.
Bearing that in mind, expect United to back up their impressive win over Real Betis and reaffirm their spot in the top four.
Marcus Rashford, who has scored 14 Premier League goals this season, will be looking to continue his fine season.
The England man boasts six goal contributions in 12 career games against Southampton.
Rashford to get on the scoresheet and Manchester United to win is our tip for Sunday’s Old Trafford showdown.
