EFL Cup Final preview and odds: Manchester United vs Southampton

Published on: 26/02/2017

EFL Cup Final preview and odds: Manchester United vs Southampton

February 26, 2017 17:30pm - Wembley Stadium

EFL Cup

The first piece of domestic silverware of 2017 will be decided on Sunday when four-time former champions Manchester United take on 1979 runner-sp Southampton in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium .

Small consolation for United

Despite receiving few plaudits for their playing style recently, Manchester United have been quietly going about their business and picking up valuable points along the way. In their last 26 matches, their sole defeat came against Hull City in the second leg of this competition`s semi-final match against Hull City, a result that proved insignificant as they progressed on aggregate.

As a result, of their consistency, the Red Devils have moved into contention for a top four place, and are still involved in three cup competitions.

Meanwhile, Southampton went on a downward slide after beating Liverpool over two legs to reach this final, with three defeats in a row including a 5-0 thrashing at home to Arsenal in the FA Cup. However, they did bounce back with a 4-0 win at Sunderland last time out.

The Saints might find some significance in the fact that their only previous trophy win came against United at Wembley in the 1976 FA Cup final. However, they have only won two of their last 12 meetings against Old Trafford club the and fell 2-0 when the teams met earlier this season.

Team news

Phil Jones will be missing for Jose Mourinho`s team, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan (hamstring) and Michael Carrick (calf) were both withdrawn during the Europa League tie against St. Etienne and remain doubtful.

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Claude Puel will have to make do without the injured quartet of Alex McCarthy, Jeremy Pied, Matt Targett and Virgil van Dijk.

Recent form (League)

Manchester United: WWWWW

Southampton: WLLLW

Betting odds and tips

Based on current form, everything points to a Manchester United win. What`s more, the club, Coach and many of the players are used to playing at this level and picking up silverware. However, for Southampton, this is the kind of day that does not come round very often and they will be throwing everything into his game.

As a result, a tight game with a low goal tally can be expected.

You can back Under 2.5 Goals at 4/6 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 26/02/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (26/02/2017 11:36:09) but are subject to change.