Manchester United host a struggling Southampton side this weekend as both teams look to secure nothing but three points later today. Having suffered a humiliating loss against Liverpool in their last league outing, Erik Ten Hag’s side remain keen on bouncing back to winning ways whilst the visitors will look to secure a positive result having registered their second victory from their last three league outings last weekend.
Third in the league table with only a point separating them and fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, United will be keen on solidifying their position in the top four moving forward. With the team having been consistent in their performance despite the supposed hiccup against Liverpool last weekend, the Red Devils will be keen on securing a compelling victory later today with the aim of gaining momentum in their results moving further into the season.
On the other hand, aiming to move out of the relegation zone, bottom-placed Southampton will be keen on causing an upset at Old Trafford on Sunday. With the Saints heading into the tie on the back of a significant victory over Leicester City last weekend, Ruben Selles’ side will look to deliver a competitive performance against the Red Devils later today.
When & Where?
Venue: Old Trafford.
Date: Sunday, 12th February 2023.
Time: 14:30 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Anthony Taylor.
Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick, Lee Betts.
Fourth Official: Stuart Attwell.
VAR Official: Andre Marriner.
Team News
Manchester United
Marcel Sabitzer’s availability remains uncertain ahead of the tie later today whilst both Donny Van De Beek and Christian Eriksen continue to recover from their respective injuries. Whilst forward Anthony Martial has returned to full training, the forward is unlikely to make the match-day squad facing Southampton. Ten Hag is expected to make minimal changes to the starting line-up later today, with all of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Tyrell Malacia expected to push for starting spots against the Saints at Old Trafford.
Southampton
Valentino Livramento and Juan Larios remain the only absentees for the game later today with the manager expected to field an unchanged line-up facing United. James Ward-Prowse is expected to remain an integral part of the team’s prospects as the Saints aim to secure two consecutive league victories on Sunday.
Match Analysis
With both teams in contrasting form heading into the tie, Sunday’s fixture could provide for a one-sided affair at Old Trafford. Aiming to secure a sizable gap in points between them and fourth-placed Spurs, United remain keen on continuing to improve their position in the league whilst the visitors will look to secure a positive result having been promising in their performances across recent outings.
Expected to employ an approach emphasized on retaining possession and control for vast periods of the game, Ten Hag will be keen on witnessing a dominant United performance later today. With the Red Devils having found success in recycling possession across the attacking third alongside creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, the hosts are expected to rely on the same in securing a victory at Old Trafford. Moreover, having been solid in defence, United will be keen on remaining ruthless in their approach; aiming to make up for their loss in goal-difference at Anfield last weekend.
On the other hand, needing to make the best of their goal-scoring opportunities alongside remaining ingenuous across the attacking third, the Saints will look to remain competitive in their application on the pitch against United. With their full-backs and attack expected to test United’s resolve later today, the visitors will look to maximise their advantage in seeking opportunities to challenge the home side on Sunday.
Key Players
Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Excellent in his approach and contribution in recent outings, Fernandes’ performance is expected to provide a platform for United’s prospects in front of goal later today. Having been consistent in impacting the team’s goal-scoring opportunities, the midfielder will be keen on adding to his tally of contributions this weekend.
James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
A threat on set-pieces, Ward-Prowse will be keen on making the best of his goal-scoring opportunities against United. Key to the team’s prospects in front of goal, the midfielder will be needing to have a significant impact if the visitors are to secure a positive result at Old Trafford.
Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Southampton: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes; Antony, Wout Weghorst, Marcus Rashford.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Gavin Bazunu; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters; James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia; Theo Walcott, Carlos Alcaraz, Kamaldeen Sulemana; Che Adams.
