Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face Southampton In The Premier League
Manchester United were off colour on Boxing Day this season as they failed to take more than a point from Burnley’s trip to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are now 15 points away from Manchester City, at the top of the table, and are being closely chased by Chelsea, who are just a point away from them.
The Red Devils will look to bounce back this weekend but have a fight on their hands against a Southampton side, that has proven hard to beat this season, time and again. The Saints have, however, picked up just three points from their last seven games and will have to be at their best, to take anything from this game.
Team News
In early team news, the Red Devils are still without the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Eric Bailly, all of whom are ruled out. Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian could yet be fit along with Anthony Martial, who is expected to be back in the starting XI, after missing the previous game with a knee injury.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – David de Gea
The Spaniard has been the best player for United this season as well and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Mourinho.
RB – Ashley Young
The absence of Valencia should see Young keep his place at right-back, after a superb display in this role, against Burnley.
CB – Phil Jones
The English international has cemented a place in the first-team in the absence of Bailly and Smalling and should keep his place at the back this weekend.
CB – Victor Lindelof
With Marcos Rojo showing no stability in this role, Mourinho has no option but to go with the young Lindelof to partner Jones at the back.
LB – Luke Shaw
The youngster put on a decent display against Burnley and the injuries to key players should see him retain his place at left-back.
CM – Nemanja Matic
The Serbian international had an ordinary night against Burnley and needs to add some creativity to his side, when they face a solid Southampton side this weekend.
CM – Paul Pogba
The French international has not been able to run the show in the midfield, which cost his side a couple of points in the previous round. He needs to be at his best for his United to break a well drilled Southampton side.
RW – Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been struggling for form in recent weeks but he should retain his place in the XI, starting on the right flank.
CAM – Jesse Lingard
Having scored 7 goals in the last 6 games for United, Lingard is their most in-form player and should start in an attacking role through the middle.
LW – Anthony Martial
After missing the previous game, Martial is expected to be back in action and should start on the left flank.
ST – Romelu Lukaku
Though he’s struggling to find the back of the net consistently, Lukaku remains the first choice striker for Mourinho and should start this weekend.
