Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Southampton

Published on: 21/01/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Southampton

January 23, 2016 15:00pm - Old Trafford

Premier League

Manchester United are doing their best to shake off the tag of crisis club, and will be hoping to boost their chances of a return to the Premier League top four when they host a rejuvenated Southampton side to Old Trafford on Saturday.

United bag derby win despite lacklustre display

Manchester United are back within striking distance of the top four after securing a vital three points in the derby game against Liverpool. It was not a vintage United performance by any standards, but they frustrated their dominant but toothless rivals, and took their only decent chance of the game to come away with all three points.

The win puts them in fifth place on a total of 37 points, just two points behind fourth-ranked Tottenham. Louis van Gaal`s team are now unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches.

Saints back in business

Southampton have emerged from a miserable spell of form, and have now won two league games in a row without conceding a goal. Prior to their recent resurgence, Ronald Koeman`s men had won just one league game in eight having lost six and drawn the other.

They come into this game on the back of a 3-0 stroll past West Bromwich Albion on home soil. They will now be looking to return to the top half of the table by overcoming the 20-time champions in their own backyard.

Team news

The Red Devils are still struggling with a long injury list that includes Ashley Young, Marcus Rojo, Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Meanwhile, the Saints will have to make do without new signing Charlie Austin who has a hamstring strain. In addition, Jay Rodriguez, Maarten Stekelenburg and Florin Grados are also out of action.

Recent form (League)

Manchester United: WDWDL

Southampton: WWLLW

Betting odds and tips

United have one just won of their last four league games at home, while Southampton have lost all of their last four away games.

However, the Saints went unbeaten in their first six away games this season, and seem to have finally recovered from their mid-season dip.

The draw looks like the most likely outcome and can be backed at 5/2 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/01/2016 14:11:39) but are subject to change.