Southampton vs Man Utd preview, predictions & possible XIs
Manchester United will look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Crystal Palace when they travel to Southampton on Saturday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had made a promising start to the season, but the 2-1 home loss was a reality check for the big spending Red Devils.
Meanwhile, Southampton picked up their first points of the season last time out with a 2-0 win at Brighton before beating Fulham in the Carabao Cup in midweek, but can they gather further momentum by beating United at St Mary’s?
Read on for our predictions, key players, TV info and team news.
When is Southampton v Man Utd and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: St Mary’s
Date: Saturday, August 31
Kick-off: 12.30pm BST
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
Last five meetings: Southampton v Man Utd
2 March 2019: Man Utd 3-2 Southampton
1 December 2018: Southampton 2-2 Man Utd
30 December 2017: Man Utd 0-0 Southampton
23 September 2017: Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
17 May 2017: Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
Aggregate score: Southampton (LDDLD) 4-6 Man Utd (WDDWD)
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Ones to watch
Southampton: Nathan Redmond
Redmond will be eyeing the chance to kick on to the next level for Southampton this season, and Manchester United are the perfect opponent to test himself against, particularly if he goes head-to-head with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The United right-back is renowned for being difficult to dribble past, so Redmond will have to be at his best if he is to have an effect on the game.
Key stat: Redmond has completed eight take-ons so far this season, at least five more than any other Southampton player.
Man Utd: Daniel James
All eyes will be on James this weekend. The Welshman has made a flying start to his United career, scoring in both of his appearances at Old Trafford – his goal against Palace was particularly well taken. However, James has been harshly booked for simulation in United’s last two matches. He will need to be careful when running at Southampton or his reputation for diving will worsen.
Key stat: James has scored with both of his shots on target for Manchester United since joining the club.
Team news
Southampton
Ryan Bertrand missed last weekend’s win at Brighton with an ankle problem and could remain sidelined this weekend. The left-back, who was also absent against Fulham on Tuesday, is Southampton’s only injury concern.
Predicted XI
Man Utd
Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial have been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to the south coast after suffering injuries against Crystal Palace. Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are also set to miss the game.
Predicted XI
Squawka prediction
Southampton will have gained a much needed confidence boost from their victory at Brighton, but United will be determined to respond after their shock defeat to Palace. It’s likely to be a tight contest with Solskjaer’s men just about coming out on top.
Southampton 1-2 Man Utd
