Manchester United host Southampton at Old Trafford today knowing that a win could restore the 7 points lead they had over their rivals City, who were held by QPR in a 0-0 draw last night. United lost their chance to consolidate their lead at the top when they dropped two points against Spurs from a winning position. While the Saints are over dependent on Lambert for goals, United have goals coming in from all directions and with the return of Rooney this might just be the night where the United strike force run riot. Vidic and Ferdinand are almost back to their best with Rafael showing signs of improvement with every match this season. Midfield for United looks more solid now with Cleverly and Carrick but the wings have been a matter of concern with all their wingers terribly out of form or injured through out this season.
Meanwhile the Saints welcome their captain Lallana from injury and would be looking for an early goal against a United defence which has not looked much confident this season. The new manager Mauricio Pochettino could become an instant hit with the fans if he can pull off a surprise win at Old Trafford against Sir Alex Ferguson’s star studded squad. Southampton are currently at 16th place with 23 points on the board, a point from Old Trafford could be a real boost for the Premier league new comers.
Talking about the game, saints manager Mauricio Pochettino remained positive, he said:
“No doubt they are going to be tough and complex games against Manchester City and Manchester United but all games are like that. All games are key and the glamour factor does not dictate how we play, the main thing is that we go out with a winning mentality and we want to win every single game, we always respect our rivals but our aim has to always be to get the three points.”
Team News and Injury updates
Sir Alex Ferguson have not updated about the latest on the injuries and team news. The last update was before their match against Fulham, when he claimed Young is almost nearing his return. It is understood that Young and Evans will not be available for selection today.
For the Saints, the return of their captain Lallana from his knee injury will be a major boost. Guly do Prado and Jose Fonte have been ruledout. And it is expected that Pochettino will line-up the same team that drew against Everton last week.
Possible Line-ups:
Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Jones, Carrick, Nani, Van Persie, Rooney
Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Forren, Hooiveld, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Cork; Puncheon, Ramirez, Lallana; Lambert
Recent form:
Manchester United: DWWDW Southampton: DLWDD
Match Facts:
- The Red Devils have dropped just two points in 13 Premier League home games against Southampton (W12 D1).
- Manchester United have scored in 25 of their 27 previous Premier League games against Southampton and have scored at least twice in eight of their last nine PL games versus them.
- Robin van Persie has scored four goals in three Premier League appearances against Southampton, including a hat-trick in Manchester United’s 3-2 win at St Marys earlier this season.
- Morgan Schneiderlin has made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League this season (90) and only Sandro (80) has made more interceptions than the Frenchman (72).
- Paul Scholes has been given six cautions in the Premier League this season, despite playing only 682 minutes; meaning he has been given a yellow card every 114 mins on average.
- Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances and has three goals in his last three PL games against Southampton.
- Manchester United have currently won 299 home games in the Premier League; more than any other side.
- Manchester United have seen 16 different players score a Premier League goal for them this season; more than any other side.
- The Red Devils have won 29 of a possible 33 points from their last 11 Premier League games (W9 D2).
- Southampton have lost none of their last six Premier League matches, but five of these have ended in a draw (W1 D5)
Courtesy: Yahoo Sport
Prediction:
A United win at home written all over it. With Robin Van Persie and Rooney starting for United, goals are sure to flow. Saints have a new manager and might take time to gel under him. Manchester United to win the match 3-0.
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