Manchester United vs Southampton Prediction, Lineups, Preview and Team News | Premier League, January 16, 2025

Manchester United vs Southampton Preview

• Tournament: Premier League
• Date: Thursday, January 16
• Kick-off Time: 8:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Matchday 21 of the Premier League will include Manchester United welcoming Southampton at the iconic Old Trafford on Thursday evening. Matchday 20 of the 2024/25 Premier League season will be contested as a mid-week round of games with several key matchups to look forward to. Manchester United is in 13th place in the points table with 23 points from 20 games. Southampton, on the other hand, is struggling at the bottom of the pile with a measly six points currently. The Manchester United vs Southampton fixture should be a good opportunity for the Red Devils to gain some much-needed confidence.

The recent form of Manchester United will indicate an atrocious run of form for the club. However, Ruben Amorim’s men have collected a couple of massively important results during that run. United held the runaway leaders, Liverpool to a 2-2 draw where a United victory seemed the more likely prospect. Following that, Manchester United also eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup and guaranteed itself a place in the fourth round. Ruben Amorim will be aware that a mid-season finish in the league is the most realistic objective and will aim to go as far as possible in the FA Cup.

Southampton’s league position indicates how the club has fared in recent matches. In the last six games, Southampton has managed just a single victory to go with four defeats and a draw. During this period, the Saints have scored five goals and conceded a further 10. The solitary triumph came against Swansea City in the FA Cup. Southampton’s away form has been miserable in the Premier League this season with zero victories, two draws, and eight defeats with a negative goal difference of 12.

Manchester United Team News

Ruben Amorim has had to deal with a plethora of injury issues since his arrival at Manchester United. Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashfprd, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelöf will remain on the sidelines due to respective injuries. Diogo Daloi will also be unavailable due to a suspension.

Southampton Team News

Gavin Bazunu (Achilles Tendon Injury), Ross Stewart (Calf Injury), and Jack Stephens (Muscle Injury) will not be available for Southampton on matchday 21.

Also Read: Arsenal vs Tottenham Prediction, Lineups, Preview, and Team News | Premier League, January 15, 2025

Manchester United vs Southampton Predicted Lineups

Manchester United Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Onana

Defenders: de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez

Midfielders: Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot

Forwards: Amad, Fernandes, Højlund

Southampton Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Ramsdale

Defenders: Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood

Midfielders: Bree, Ugochukwu, Aribo, Walker-Peters

Forwards: Dibling, Sulemana, Onuachu

Manchester United vs Southampton H2H Record

Overall, in the last five head-to-head encounters, Manchester United has won two encounters and the remaining three games have ended in draws. The head-to-head record is surprisingly tighter than many would have imagined.

Key Players to Watch in Manchester United vs Southampton

Amad Diallo (Manchester United)

Amad Diallo found it difficult to get going under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach rarely used his abilities and services. Ruben Amorim, though, has ensured not to commit the same mistake. Diallo has duly repaid the faith with spectacular displays including goal-scoring performances against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. The 22-year-old has accumulated 0.58 xG in his last five matches.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

The form of Bruno Fernandes for the rest of the season will determine how Manchester United finishes the campaign. The Portuguese has finally picked up pace and has delivered some absolutely mind-blowing performances under Ruben Amorim. The former Sporting man has four goals and six assists in the Premier League this season. Fernandes has recorded 1.06 xA in his last five outings.

Manchester United vs Southampton Prediction

Manchester United will not be pleased or satisfied with how the contests against the lesser-ranked teams have played out. Despite that, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where the hosts do not annihilate Southampton on Thursday evening.

Predicted Score: Manchester United 3-0 Southampton

Also Read: Arsenal vs Tottenham Prediction, Lineups, Preview, and Team News | Premier League, January 15, 2025

Where to watch Manchester United vs Southampton Live?

FAQs