MANCHESTER UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON – PREDICTION
Manchester United approach this game after two solid performances, though neither resulted in a win. Meanwhile, Southampton’s last Premier League outing ended in a heavy 0-5 defeat to Brentford. The Saints have failed to win away this season, making it difficult to imagine them putting up much of a fight at Old Trafford.
The mood around United is improving, and this game offers a perfect chance to deliver a dominant win. Considering that four of their last five home matches have featured over 2.5 goals, this could be a high-scoring game. Predicted score: Manchester United 3-0 Southampton.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON: PREDICTION, PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS
Manchester United aim to continue their recent progress as they face Southampton in this Premier League fixture.
- Date: 16/01/2025
- Kick-off time: 20:00
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
United currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with 23 points from 20 games. Their season has been turbulent, with managerial and ownership changes highlighting deeper issues within the club.
Since appointing Ruben Amorim, results have remained poor. However, strong displays against Liverpool and Arsenal suggest progress, and the team’s morale seems to be improving. Despite this, United still face significant squad issues, including a lack of top-quality midfielders and an over-reliance on misfiring strikers. The January transfer window could provide solutions, but financial constraints may limit their activity.
This game offers United a chance to build momentum under Amorim, and a win could reinforce their recent progress.
Southampton, on the other hand, sit at the bottom of the Premier League with just six points from 20 games. Their return to the top flight has been disastrous, marked by defensive struggles and a lack of goals. They’ve conceded 44 goals and scored only 12, both league-worst statistics.
New manager Ivan Jurić has shown little sign of reversing their fortunes, and relegation appears inevitable. Teenager Tyler Dibling has been a bright spot, but it’s likely his last season with the club. With little left to play for, Southampton’s focus may now shift to pride and damage control.
Despite their struggles, the Saints must at least show more effort than they did in their heavy loss to Brentford, but getting anything from this match seems highly unlikely.
WHERE TO WATCH
The match will air live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 for subscribers.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United Team News:
United will miss Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf, and Jonny Evans for this match. Harry Maguire is doubtful after picking up a knock against Arsenal, and Diogo Dalot is suspended following his red card at the Emirates. Marcus Rashford’s absence continues, with uncertainty surrounding his future.
Predicted lineup: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martínez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia; Diallo, Fernandes; Højlund.
Southampton Team News:
Southampton head into the game without Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart, but the rest of the squad is available. Matheus Fernandes is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Adam Armstrong may also get a recall.
Predicted lineup: Ramsdale; Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Wood; Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Aribo, Ugochukwu, Manning; Dibling, Armstrong.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON – FORM GUIDE
Manchester United:
United have recorded one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five matches. Their most recent game was a penalty shootout victory against Arsenal in the FA Cup after a 1-1 draw, a match where they played over 70 minutes with ten men and executed their penalties perfectly.
Before that, they earned a 2-2 draw at Anfield with goals from Lisandro Martínez and Adam Diallo, following defeats to Newcastle (0-2), Wolves (0-2), and Bournemouth (0-3).
Southampton:
Southampton’s last five games have seen one win, one draw, and three losses. They defeated Swansea 3-0 in the FA Cup, thanks to a brace from Tyler Dibling and a goal from Kamaldeen Sulemana. Their prior Premier League games included a 0-5 loss to Brentford, a 1-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, and a 0-1 loss to Wolves, preceded by a 0-0 draw at Fulham.
