Man United v Southampton – Prediction, Bet Tips & Odds
Man United v Southampton – Prediction
Manchester United are heavily backed by both the pundits and bookies to win their 1st League title since the Alex Ferguson Era. Unlike David Moyes & Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho looks at home with United. The Portuguese coach has always tasted success in his first season with a new club. His first task at United would be to rekindle the fear which Premier League oppositions once had when visiting Old Trafford.
Despite being raided by fellow Premier League clubs once again, Southampton come into the new season with the hopes of another Top 10 finish. The come from behind draw against Watford was disappointing but they can prove their doubters wrong if they manage a result against United.
Verdict: (1-1) Draw
Fixture Overview
Gameweek 2
Man United v Southampton
Old Trafford, Manchester
19-08-2016, 8.00 PM CET
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Betting Tips – Man United v Southampton
1. Draw – 4.75 (Bet 365)
United start the game as overwhelming favorites with odds of 1.5 (StanJames.com). Red Devils, who could only secure a 5th place finish last season conceded just 9 goals at home during the season. Southampton are still a good looking team despite the summer departures. They’ll trouble a lot teams this season and given the odds on offer for a draw we are backing them to get a point at Old Trafford.
2. Anytime Goalscorer – Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2.00 – 188 Bet)
The Swedish International has two goals in two games for United. His strike against Bournemouth was sublime and we expect something similar against the Saints most probably from a freekick.
3. Under 2.5 goals – 1.83 (Paddypower)
We don’t see too many goals in this one. Even if either of these teams are to win, it won’t be by more than a single goal. Under 2.5 looks a good bet and one you should be making for this game.
Manchester United
Manchester United kicked off their 2016-17 League campaign with 3-1 win over Bournemouth last Saturday. For the first time after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure United look like an unit capable of challenging for the title. United’s first home game of the season will see them hosting Southampton, a team who’ve beaten them at home in the previous two seasons.
Friday could see Pogba making his first appearance for United after a gap of 4 years. Pogba who sat out United’s season opener due to a suspension carried over from Italy, may have to settle for an appearance from the bench. Another of United’s new signings this season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in top form & has scored in both their games this season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored on his debut in four different countries.
Since their defeat to Southampton in January, United are undefeated in their last 11 games at home. Manchester United have an superior head to head record against the Saints winning 61 and losing just 28 of their 119 previous competitive meetings.
Pogba and Smalling both of whom missed the season opener are available for the Red Devils. United do not have any injury concerns in their ranks.
Southampton
Southampton come into this game on the back of a 1-1 win against Watford at home. A new season, A new manager and a host of new players. Southampton once come into a Premier League season with a completely different look to the one that finished the previous season.
Ronald Koeman who led them to 7th and 6th place finishes in the last two season has joined Everton. Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane, two of Southampton’s top goal scorers last season has been signed up by Spurs and Liverpool respectively.
New manager Claudio Puel has a rebuilding task at hand. Southampton is Puel’s first managerial stint outside France were he has led to Monaco to a Ligue 1 title in the past. More exits are likely from the Southampton ranks with Captain Jose Fonte linked with a move to Manchester United.
The Saints conceded just 19 goals away from home last season. Their tally was only second to Leicester City who let in 18. Saints have never recorded three consecutive wins over United at Old Trafford. Summer signing Nathan Redmond scored on his competitive debut against Watford last week and thereby helped them secure a point.
Defender Jose Fonte who missed the game against Watford due to the lack of match fitness is set to start against United. Ryan Bertrand who also missed the game against Watford due to injury is still unavailable.
Past Meeting – Man United v Southampton
The last time these two teams met at Old Trafford, Southampton emerged as 1-0 winners. Charlie Austin headed home from a free-kick in the 87th minute to hand the Saints their second consecutive win at Old Trafford.
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Where are they in the table
1st – Manchester United – 1 game – 3 Points – (+2 GD)
10th – Southampton – 1 D – 1 Point – ( 0 GD)