Manchester United will go head to head with relegation threatened Southampton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. The match is not televised in the United Kingdom and it will kick off at 15:00 GMT. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to keep his sides current form, losing one of the 15 matches he has managed, earning 29 of a possible 33 points in the Premier League since he replaced Jose Mourinho.
United and Southampton have played 124 times in the history of both clubs. United has won 64 times, drawing 32 times and losing just 28 times. The last defeat to Southampton was back on the 23 January 2016, a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford which saw Charlie Austin score the winning goal three minutes from time. United are undefeated in the last six matches against the Saints, winning three and drawing three, scoring eight goals, conceding four goals and keeping four clean sheets.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
David De Gea kept a clean sheet against Liverpool on Sunday but was unable to do that against Crystal Palace after a lax in defensive duties for United’s defenders left Joel Ward with a great opportunity to score, which is what he did. However, United still won the match 3-1, they were leading 2-0 at the time of the goal, so although it cost a clean sheet, that was all it cost. De Gea clattered with the post during the game and there were fears that he was injured, however, he is fit to continue in goal for United.
Defence: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw
Diogo Dalot played against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, playing in a more advanced position and he did well. Ashley Young could be given a rest, at least on the bench on Saturday, which means Dalot could start. Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw should all keep their places in the team as they are all in good form at this stage of the season and they could well be the difference between United earning three points and not.
Midfield: Andreas Pereira, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba
Scott McTominay should keep his place in the team with United facing the Saints at Old Trafford on Saturday. Against both Liverpool and Crystal Palace, the Academy graduate has held his own and been a useful player to have in the team. I don;t understand the stick he has received. It is like supporters these days have no patience and want everything now, including the development of a player. Andreas Pereira should start ahead of Fred and Paul Pogba should start, seeing as he’s suspended against Paris Saint-Germain.
Forward Three: Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial
Romelu Lukaku scored twice against Crystal Palace as Marcus Rashford sat out as a precaution but came on as a substitute. The Belgian has started to rebuild his confidence which could be a good thing for him and United. He should keep his place as the main striker against Southampton as it could mean another boost for his confidence. Rashford should start, possible on the right, although Solskjaer could use a formation with two strikers. Hopefully, Anthony Martial will be back in action.
Substitutes: Sergio Romero; Eric Bailly, Ashley Young; Angel Gomes, James Garner; Alexis Sanchez, Tahith Chong
United now has eight players on the sidelines; Matteo Darmian (knock), Antonio Valencia (muscle), Ander Herrera (hamstring), Juan Mata (hamstring), Jesse Lingard (hamstring), Nemanja Matic (muscle), and Phil Jones (illness). Anthony Martial is also on the sidelines ahead of the game but I hope he could return to the starting XI for this game. James Garner made his debut on Wednesday and Solskjaer said he could well be involved again. This bench could be an exciting mix of experience and youth.
