Man Utd vs Southampton news: Preview and score prediction
Having both secured a positive result in the FA Cup this past weekend, struggling Premier League duo Manchester United and Southampton are set to square off at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
With their tails wagging after two great performances against Liverpool and Arsenal, Ruben Amorim’s charges will be desperate to get their calamitous campaign back on track.
The last time these two sides met was in September when the Red Devils eased to a commanding 3-0 victory at St Mary's in the twilight of the Erik ten Hag era.
Sports News Blitz writer George Russell offers his thoughts on the upcoming game and makes a score prediction.
Red Devils improving while Saints continue to tumble
United may have failed to win any of their last six games across all competitions, the penalty shoot-out victory in London notwithstanding, but their last two results against Liverpool and Arsenal have certainly given Amorim some hope of a turnaround.
As if unexpectedly snatching a point at league leaders Liverpool was not enough, the Red Devils then dumped high-flying Arsenal out of the FA Cup via penalties on Sunday.
The third-round victory at the Emirates was all the more impressive considering United, the current FA Cup holders, had to play an hour with ten men.
On the back of those results, United will be determined to keep up the momentum with a good performance at home to the side that currently sits rock bottom of the Premier League.
For Southampton, new head coach Ivan Juric has overseen three consecutive league defeats since replacing Russell Martin in what has been a disastrous campaign.
Indeed, the heavy 5-0 home loss to Brentford last week was the Saints’ 16th defeat of the season and their eighth by a margin of at least two goals.
READ MORE: Man Utd analysis: How Manchester United can salvage their season after FA Cup triumph over Arsenal
United eye personnel changes for Old Trafford clash
With Diogo Dalot set to serve a one-match ban following his sending off at the Emirates, Tyrell Malacia will likely make his return in the left wing-back position.
Leny Yoro could make an appearance in central defence in place of either Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire after both put in an incredible defensive performance against Arsenal.
Amorim might also be tempted to start Joshua Zirkzee up front in light of Rasmus Hojlund’s poor recent form.
In midfield, it will be a tough call between wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, with the former grabbing two assists in his last two games and the latter continuing to shine in his breakout season.
Having made their worst start to a season in decades only a few short months ago, United finally seem to be turning a corner under new manager Amorim.
Considering the renewed positivity around Old Trafford as well as the Saints’ continuing struggles, this game could very well be a walkover for the Red Devils.
Score prediction: Man Utd 3-0 Southampton
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