Southampton will welcome Man Utd to the St Mary's Stadium on Saturday, 14 September in a match that already feel significant for both clubs.
Southampton are yet to pick up a point since their return to the top flight and early pressure is mounting on Russell Martin.
However, that pressure feels minuscule compared to what Erik Ten Hag is facing after Man Utd's start to the season. The Red Devils have already lost twice and another one here could spell danger for the Dutchman.
How the bookies view it: The visitors start as favourites
Man Utd come into the match in terrible form but they are still the favourites with the bookmakers who believe they will have enough quality to see off a newly-promoted side. Betfred have priced a Man Utd win at 8/11 while a win for Southampton has been priced at 7/2. The draw, which would at least get the hosts up and running this season, has been priced at 3/1.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Man Utd
Man Utd have made a habit of slipping up against teams they are expected to beat in recent times but their record against Southampton remains impressive. They haven't lost a match to the Saints in any of their last 15 encounters and won 1-0 on their last trip to St Mary's in August 2022.
Southampton's last win over Man Utd actually came at Old Trafford all the way back in 2016. Their last home win over the Red Devils came all the way back in 2003.
Players to watch: A return for Rasmus?
Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of a couple of important players ahead of the trip to the south coast this weekend but one man Erik Ten Hag will be desperate to get fit is Rasmus Hojlund.
The Danish striker scored 16 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign for the club despite playing in a severely dysfunctional team so there is plenty of optimism about the player he could turn into. Hojlund picked up an injury in pre-season that has kept him out of United's first three matches but is doing everything he can to be ready for this one.
There is no doubt that United have missed his presence up front in the early weeks of the season. Joshua Zirkzee has looked unfit and woefully off the pace despite scoring the winner against Fulham and it will also allow Bruno Fernandes to return to a deeper role closer to the midfielder.
Predicted line-ups
Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a doubt for Man Utd but the skipper rarely misses a game so he should be okay. Mount, Yoro, Lindelof and Malacia are all still on the treatment table but there is hope that Hojlund and Shaw can return. Southampton will likely go in unchanged from their last game, with Aaron Ramsdale set for his home debut.
Southampton: Ramsdale – Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters – Downes, Smallbone, Aribo – Armstrong, Brereton Diaz
Man Utd: Onana – Mazraoui, Martinez, De Ligt, Dalot – Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes – Amad, Hojlund, Rashford
Anything else catch the eye?
Man Utd's open midfield usually leads to plenty of chances for the opposition and after scoring five against Cardiff prior to the international break, Southampton may have renewed confidence in front of goal. The expected return of Hojlund should mean a greater goal threat for the visitors. Over 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/7 with Betfred.
This English Premier League match between Southampton and Man Utd will be played on Sep 14, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Southampton vs Man Utd prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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