Southampton VS Manchester United Match Prediction

Southampton grinded out a 0-0 draw back in May against United, but they have fallen short frequently against the Red Devils in the past.  In 84 matches, the Saints have 17 wins, 19 draws, and 48 losses to United.  Here's a look at the last five results:

May 17, 2017: Southampton 0-0 United
Feb 26, 2017: United 3-2 Southampton (EFL Cup Final)
Aug 19, 2016: United 2-0 Southampton
Jan 23, 2016: United 0-1 Southampton
Sep 20, 2015: Southampton 2-3 United

Southampton vs Man United Match Tips and Odds

Bet365 have the following odds available for this match:

Southampton are at 15/4 to win, a draw is at 12/5, and a Manchester United win is at 4/5.

Manchester United have been made big favorites to win here, and that looks just about right in this situation.  Even when given a good chance to have a go at United last season, the Saints were only able to get a draw at home as the Red Devils got ready for the Europa League Final.

Now that United are stronger than they were, these odds look about right.  The Saints still haven't looked like their old selves this season, either, and while they shouldn't end up anywhere near relegation at season's end, they also don't look like being able to seriously challenge for the top six or seven.

Southampton have a dubious record against United, as they have lost 24 matches to them.  That is the most that they have lost to any team in the PL era.

United are operating better than they have in recent years, and it shows with how many different men have scored.  Eight players have scored for them, more than any team through five games this season.  This time last year, only four different players had found the back of the net.

Lukaku to score at anytime is at 11/10.

Southampton vs Man United Prediction

Manchester United seemingly always struggle a little against Southampton, but this trip will prove to be a little more routine for them.

Correct Score Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Manchester United

Team News

Mauricio Pellegrino has no injuries or suspension issues to deal with ahead of this tie with United.

Key Man

All eyes will be on center back Virgil van Dijk when he steps onto the pitch at St Mary's on Saturday.  The Dutchman has been subject to rumors and offers from an abundance of clubs, but has so far stayed at the Saints.  He returned to play for a few minutes last weekend against Palace, and he scored a goal for the U-23 team he in the week preceding this match.  His performance will need to be very good off his injury if they are to stand a chance.

Team Form- WLDLW

The Saints have two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches.  They won 3-2 at home to West Ham in the league before losing to Wolves 3-2 in the EFL Cup.  Next came a 0-0 draw away to Huddersfield and a 0-2 loss at Watford in the league. They got a 0-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Southampton Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-2-3-1

Team News

Jose Mourinho will be missing striker Zlatan and center back Marcos Rojo until around New Year's Day.  Paul Pogba also remains sidelined, though the date for his return is still uncertain.  Backup goalkeeper Sergio Romero went off early with an apparent injury.

Key Man

Romelu Lukaku will continue to relish his chance to impress at United.  The Belgian striker could equal, or surpass, Louis Saha's record of six goals in his first six PL matches for the club.  He's currently on five in the league, from five games, and has been massively important to United as they have flipped the switched and looked a completely different team this season.  Look for Lukaku to battle his way toward goal once again here.

Team Form- WWDWW

The Red Devils have four wins and a draw in their last five matches.  They won 2-0 at home to Leicester and drew 2-2 at Stoke City to give up their points of the season.  Next came home wins over Basel (3-0) in the Europa League and Everton (4-0) in the league.  On Wednesday, they faced Burton in the EFL Cup at home and they won 4-1.

Southampton Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-2-3-1

The aura of Manchester United is coming back alive this season. Not only is Old Trafford quickly becoming the fortress than was hinted at last season, but the Red Devils are also ramping up as games get late in the day. Like under Sir Alex Ferguson, they are scoring goals for fun when it is 'squeaky bum time,' and that means only good things for United. With the way they are playing, a win here looks very likely for them at the expense of the Saints.

Manchester United have scored more PL goals after 80 minutes than 17 of the other sides combined.