Prediction: Southampton vs Manchester United

Prediction: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns once again this weekend, with a series of big games for fans to get excited about. One that particularly intrigues us is Southampton vs Manchester United, featuring two of the more polarising managers in the game right now. Mark Hughes is doing everything in his power to avoid the sack down south, whereas Jose Mourinho continues to do things that leave us all scratching our heads. Who will win the battle of wits? The answer to such an enduring question could prove to be vital for both teams.

Southampton

Southampton have gone from European contenders to relegation fodder in the last few years, and it’s been quite the thing to watch. Many fans have noted how much things have changed, and it seems like it was always expected to happen. They kept producing world class stars left, right and centre, and eventually that had to come to an end. It’ll be interesting to see how they match up with United, and whether they can use the home crowd to push them on towards something special.

Team News

The Saints will look towards Gabbiadini for his creativity, as Charlie Austin prepares to lead the line once again.

Manchester United

United have a long way to go before they can be considered title contenders again, but it doesn’t feel like that’s really their goal. Right now they want to secure their place in the Champions League, and that’s not going to be easy. Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea are all ahead of them in the pecking order, and they should probably be looking over their shoulder more than anything else. Mourinho has changed the fortunes of teams like this before, but it’ll take some doing this time around.

Team News

Mourinho will likely be changing things around in the wake of their Champions League exploits in the week.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium.
• Southampton have drawn four and lost two of their last six games.
• Man United have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Man United lead the overall head to head standings 64-28 with 31 draws.
• In their last meeting in December 2017, they drew 0-0.

Conclusion

Very few people will expect the Saints to do much of note here, and while the home crowd could always spur them on towards something special, they just don’t seem to have it in them. There’s no real fire power when you stack them up against United, who are having their own problems too. We believe the visitors will score early on which will invite a sea of desperate pressure from Southampton, only for United to score again early in the second half before riding out a 2-0 win – which will serve as Mark Hughes’ final game in charge. That sounds like we’re being overly negative, but it’s hard to ignore what’s right in front of you.

Prediction: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: bet365