Prediction: Southampton vs Manchester United

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 6/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League is underway and fans are ready to really kick things into the next gear after an electric opening weekend. We saw upsets, cracking goals and a whole lot of dramatic moments in what still holds the title of being the best top flight in the beautiful game today. On Sunday we’ll see another enticing match-up take place, this time on the south coast as Southampton prepare to host Manchester United in one of two 2pm kick-offs.

Southampton

Losing Danny Ings was always going to be quite a significant blow for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his side but in their opening game, at the very least, they showed a bit of heart and determination. They’ll obviously need to produce even more of that spirit if they’re serious about beating United, but beyond that, there are also questions that have been raised about their overall squad. They need a few more additions to come in before the end of the window because if they don’t, a relegation battle could be looming.

Team News

Ward-Prowse managed to feature in Southampton’s opening game and should be fit to do the same here. Armstrong’s debut goal will give him even more confidence heading into this fixture with the only two confirmed absences thus far before Smallbone and McQueen, both of whom are injured.

Manchester United

Manchester United are ready to make a serious push for the title this season and even though they’ve got three or four clubs that’ll be right there alongside them, they should be feeling good about the squad they’ve got and the depth they now possess. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still quite clearly trying to find his feet as manager at Old Trafford, but it seems as if the club is willing to give him time, which is all he can really ask for.

Team News

Henderson is still continuing his recovery from long COVID and won’t be available to feature in this one with Lingard also hoping to start after recovering from his own battle with the illness. Cavani isn’t fit enough to start, Jones is still out and Rashford & Telles are both injured – although fans should expect to see new signing Varane at some stage.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in February, Man United beat Southampton 9-0.
• Southampton finished 15th last season with 43 points.
• Man United finished 2nd last season with 74 points.
• Southampton lost their Premier League opener 3-1 against Everton.
• Man United won their Premier League opener 5-1 against Leeds.

Conclusion

The story for this game has already been written in our mind – Southampton take an early lead, likely through one of their new faces and a slice of good fortune, before Manchester United peg them back and win the game. We don’t think Ole is setting his team out to concede early and start slow but that’s what appears to be happening every single time they go out there. United will win, but the questions surrounding their defensive capabilities will persist.

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 6/10

Bookmaker: 888sport