Southampton vs Manchester United - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 22/09/2017

Southampton vs Manchester United - Premier League Preview and Odds

September 23, 2017 15:00pm - St. Mary`s Stadium

Premier League

After a steady start to their Premier League campaign, Southampton will now look to test themselves against one of the title contenders when they host second-ranked Manchester United at St. Mary`s stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints have a picked up a reasonable eight points from their first five game but they have yet to face on of the top teams in the league and some of their performances have left a little to be desired. Their 1-0 win at crisis club Crystal Palace last time out was no more than was expected but prior to that, they fell 2-0 at home to Watford.

New boss Mauricio Pellegrino is still finding his feet but the early signs are positive for the former Deportivo Alaves boss. They have picked up points while not performing at their best and are currently level on points with last years fourth place side Liverpool. A win on Saturday could lift them further up the table and lay down a marker for other clubs chasing European places.

Defender Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to squad this weekend and could even make the starting line-up as the Argentine boss looks to stifle the oppositions attack.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will look to extend their unbeaten run and maintain the pace with their rivals from the blue half of the city. Jose Mourinho`s men have won just one of their last six Premier League away games and that came at Swansea City back in August. Their last away game (at Stoke City) ended in a 2-2 draw.

Pogba, Ibrahimovic and Rojo are all still injured for the Red Devils, while Luke Shaw could feature after making his return against Burton Albion in the midweek League Cup match.

Recent form (Premier League)

Southampton: WLDWD

Manchester United: WDWWW

Betting odds and tips

United have looked stronger this term but their overall away record has not been great in the league, with just one win in their last six. However, the home side have been poor at home since Virgil van Dijk picked up an injury eight months ago and since then, they have won just two Premier League matches on home soil. They will be hoping that his return to the squad will give them a boost this weekend but a draw is surely the best they can hope for.

You can back the Draw at 14/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris