Southampton vs Manchester United - Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 17/05/2017

Southampton vs Manchester United - Premier League preview and odds

May 17, 2017 19:45pm - Stadium of Light

Premier League

They may only be two places apart in the table but eighth-ranked Southampton and sixth-ranked Manchester United will kick off on Wednesday night with a 20-point gap separating the two sides.

United set to rest key players ahead of Europa League final

Having decided to out all their eggs in the Europa League basket, Manchester United may decide to rest some key players for this relatively meaningless Premier League clash. Jose Mournho`s men are winless in four league matches and can no longer qualify for the Champions League via league position.

Away from home, the Red Devils are have lost two and drawn one of their last three although they played Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City during that spell. Prior to that run, they had only lost two away games in their previous 16.

Southampton returned to winning ways at already-relegated Middlesbrough last week, their first win in six and a result that puts them ahead on West Bromwich Albion on goal difference. In their previous five games, they faced four of the current top five, so their poor run could perhaps be forgiven on that basis.

Despite their lack of form against the top-six teams (eight defeats and three draws in 11 matches), Claude Puel`s men might just fancy their chances against a weakened Manchester United side as they look to secure an eighth-place finish in the league.

Team news

Southampton:

Injured - Virgil van Dijk (ankle), Alex McCarthy (hamstring strain).

Manchester United:

Injured or absent - Ashley Young (hamstring strain), Luke Shaw (foot), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (dislocated shoulder), Marcos Rojo (ACL), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (combined ACL and PCL rupture), Paul Pogba (personal reasons).

Recent form (League)

Southampton: LLWLL

Manchester United: WWDWL

Betting odds and tips

Southampton have failed to score a goal in their last three home matches and will be hoping that they continue where they left off against Middlesbrough and give their fans something to sheer in their last two games. Even with key players rested, United will still pose a threat but they may just struggle to get fully motivated for this game.

With mitigating circumstances, the Saints might just edge this game and could even start as favourites.

You can back the Home win at 37/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris