England Premier League
Saturday 31st August 2019
Kick off at 12.30pm BST
Venue: St Mary's Stadium
Match Preview:
No fewer than 8 Premier League games will kick off on Saturday and it all starts with this lunchtime start that sees Southampton take on Manchester United.
Almost by default United will start as the favourites but by no means does that mean that they will win this game. Anyone following United’s fortunes over the past 6 years know that by now, and this match at least on paper looks a very tricky one to navigate for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. But let’s start with Southampton first.
They are in the bottom three already after losing their first two games of the season, but with the league at times being so unpredictable the Saints pulled off a victory last weekend that not many would have seen coming. They beat Brighton away 2-0, the same Brighton who had started the league with a bang. In the Saints previous game they lost at home to Liverpool but that game ended up being a close one as they were only defeated by 1 goal with the game finishing 2-1.
Manchester United started the season in brilliant fashion with a 4-0 victory over Chelsea, since then results have dictated that the opening day win may have just been a freak accident. That might sound harsh but the United of the past few seasons have returned. A 1-1 draw followed at Wolves, a match which should have saw victory after a missed Paul Pogba penalty. Then Marcus Rashford missed a penalty against Crystal Palace in their next game. It was one that mattered as Palace who have not started well beat United at Old Trafford in a shock result.
That latest defeat just underlines that problems still persist at the club, even though at times they are playing some wonderful football. Daniel James’ equaliser against Palace was certainly a contender for goal of the weekend. There is a genuine worry for the Red Devils up front though and they clearly have not replaced Romelu Lukaku.
Team News:
Southampton: Ryan Bertrand has an ankle injury but will be assessed ahead of this game. Michael Obafemi had a scare in the Carabao Cup but he should be fine to start this game. Nathan Redmond has swelling on his ankle and is now 50/50 for this game
Manchester United: Diogo Dalot has a muscle injury and is set to miss the next 3-4 weeks as a result. Anthony Martial looks to be a doubt for this game with a thigh injury. Luke Shaw is out with a hamstring injury
Southampton vs Man Utd Head to Head:
Last season this fixture ended 2-2.
Manchester United have just 1 victory at Southampton in the last 3 meetings.
However Southampton have no victories at home to Manchester United in the last 11 meetings going back to 2005.
There is a 60% chance to see under 2.5 goals.
Southampton vs Man Utd Prediction:
It’s got to the point now where Manchester United are going to have to get some luck or play vintage football to get a win on the road. Going to Southampton used to be a happy hunting ground for United but as a punter it is difficult to feel confident backing the side away from home. Backing the Saints to start with a 2 goal advantage would have been a winning bet in the last 6 meetings between the sides. However they are 1/4 to repeat that, so not great value at all.
The best bet here seems to be with both teams to score. The Saints have bagged 3 goals in their last two games and if they can get one at home to Liverpool, then United looks a given. United could travel without Anthony Martial which is another blow for them upfront and other players such as Pogba will have to step up.
Southampton vs Man Utd Betting Tips:
Both teams to score at 1.72
Anytime goalscorer: Marcus Rashford at 2.50
Over 10.5 corners at 2.10
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
