Manchester United vs Southampton - Tactical analysis, team news, statistics and prediction

Team News

Manchester United’s David Moyes almost has his full squad barring 3 to 4 players. Wayne Rooney’s strike partner, Van Persie is a doubt after suffering a calf injury while playing for Netherlands. So is Tom Cleverley who pulled out of national duty after a calf problem and Rio Ferdinand who is out with a groin strain. Darren Fletcher is the long term absentee, who is on his way to recovery from his chronic bowel condition.

Manchester United’s Probable Lineup; Formation – 4-2-3-1

The availability of in-form England & Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney must have done Moyes world of good & is sure to give the opposition’s defense a nightmare to play against him in his current state of mind. The 18 year old young sensation Adnan Januzaj looks set to retain his place after single handedly pulling Manchester United to a win during a hapless performance away at Sunderland. Fellaini looks set to start after missing the last game with a wrist injury.

Southampton’s boss Mauricio Pochettino has his entire in-form squad available for selection with defender Luke Shaw also returning after missing Swansea game due to illness. Goal Keeper Arthur Boruc who missed tueday’s international match against England due to a hamstring problem looks fit to start as well.

Southampton F.C. probable lineup; Formation: 4-2-3-1

Statistics

• Manchester United have won 16 & drawn twice against Southampton while playing home at Old Trafford, their last draw coming during a thrilling 3-3 draw subsequent to their trebble winning season of 1999/00
• Manchester United have won 8 successive matches in all competitions against Southampton, their last defeat coming in 2003 when James Beattie scoring the lone goal of the match
• Manchester United have not lost back to back home games since 2002, when they lost to Arsenal & Middlesbrough thereby losing out the title to Arsenal
• Patrice Evra with six assists has the highest number of assists for a defender, since the start of this season
• Southampton have just lost 3 of their last 19 games in league & cup combined together
• Arthur Boruc, their goal keeper has the best saves to shot percentage in the league this season with Mignolet & Cech coming in 2nd & 3rd
• If only 2nd half was counted, Southampton would be top of the league with 16 points
• Southampton have not won back to back away games in premier league since September 2001
• Only one side in top 5 European leagues (Roma with 1 goal) have a better defensive record than Southampton F.C

Prediction

While history is on the side of Manchester United, the form tables clearly favor Southampton as Manchester United have been struggling to score goals both at home & away. Going head-to-head against a team which has the best defensive record after 7 matches this season, David Moyes & his boys will need some magical performance to pull out a victory, that their fans have been waiting to see so far.

Southampton on the other hand know that if they can frustrate the defending champions by keeping it simple with their passing play, the pressure would make the defending champions commit to errors which Southampton can make utilize off.

Manchester United 2 – 1 Southampton

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