This Saturday, Southampton and Manchester United face off at St Mary's, both eager to bounce back from recent defeats. Their last encounter ended in a goalless draw in March 2023.
Southampton is under pressure, having lost their first three matches of the season. Manager Russell Martin, who led the team to promotion last season, needs to turn things around quickly to avoid the sack. The team has four crucial games this month, starting with Manchester United, followed by Everton, Ipswich Town, and Bournemouth.
Manchester United hasn't impressed either, with two disappointing defeats in their first three matches. Manager Erik ten Hag is feeling the heat, but insists he's focused on the long game, not just the first few matches.
He'll be hoping for a win at St Mary's, where United has a strong record, unbeaten in their last 12 visits.
However, United's away form has been shaky, with just one win in six games, conceding 16 goals. Can they turn it around against Southampton, who are desperate to avoid a fourth straight defeat?"
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Southampton is still missing a few key players due to injuries. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is out long-term with an Achilles injury, so Aaron Ramsdale will keep his spot.
Kamaldeen Sulemana is also out with an ankle issue. But there's some good news - Ben Brereton Diaz is ready to start up front after a tactical substitution in Chile's World Cup qualifier. He'll likely partner with either Adam Armstrong or Cameron Archer.
Ross Stewart is back in training after a long layoff, but he needs to get his match fitness back. Manager Russell Martin might shake things up in midfield, possibly giving new signings Mateus Fernandes or Adam Lallana a starting spot.
As for Manchester United, they've got a few injuries to deal with too. Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, and Mason Mount are all out. But summer signing Manuel Ugarte is available to make his debut after recovering from a minor illness.
He might even start over Casemiro, who had a tough game against Liverpool. And captain Bruno Fernandes is good to go after a minor knock in Portugal's Nations League win.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Fernandes, Downes, Smallbone, Walker-Peters; Brereton Diaz, Archer
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
EXPERT PREDICTION
Southampton 0-2 Manchester United
Their recent head-to-heads have been pretty tight, with three of the last four matches ending in draws. This Saturday's game could be another close one, but we think Manchester United might just edge it this time.
