Don’t look now but Manchester United are now in fourth place after extending their season-best win streak to four games with a gritty 2-1 victory over Stoke last Tuesday. They will look to solidify their hold of that coveted Champions League spot when they face a struggling Southampton side which is in the midst of a three-game winless streak.
Read on for a complete preview of this top-of-the-table showdown and while you’re at it, you can check out Brad’s weekly Premiership picks and predictions column.
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Manchester United vs. Southampton Betting Preview
Where: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
When: Monday, December 8, 3:00 PM ET
Line: Manchester United +141 at Southampton +165, tie +213; total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Manchester United can leapfrog Southampton into third place with a win this coming Monday. The Saints, on the other hand, will keep hold of that position with either a win or a draw against the Red Devils.
Betting on Manchester United
The wins just keep on rolling for Manchester United after they survived a pesky Stoke side 2-1 Tuesday at Old Trafford. That’s the fourth consecutive victory for United who have now climbed into fourth place in the Premier League table with 25 points already to their name.
It has been a remarkable recovery for United to say the least. After their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last November 2, many were wondering whether the wheels have fell off for United once again just like last season. That would not be the case for United this year as they have an experienced manager in Louis Van Gaal who has the technical know-how to guide them through these tough situations.
Van Gaal came to the conclusion that an attack-minded United wouldn’t get the job done for them this season. He decided to implement a system where Manchester United will control games through possession instead of pursuing with a gung-ho style of play that the Red Devils have been accustomed to in the past.
It might be boring for some but it is clearly working for United right now who have conceded just twice in the last four games, compared to the 14 goals they have surrendered the previous 10 games. Crucial to this offensive scheme is Michael Carrick whose return from injury has helped boost the Red Devils’ fortunes. The midfield maestro helped United control 64 percent of the possession against Stoke.
Also doing a tremendous job at the back is goalkeeper David De Gea who has already turned in several match-winning performances for the club this season. He was the hero in their last game against Stoke where he somehow blocked a bullet header from Biram Mame Diouf in the dying minutes before denying Marko Arnautovic at point-blank range right at the death.
There is also some good news for United on the offensive end ahead of their clash with Southampton. Captain Wayne Rooney has been cleared by doctors to play for United this coming Monday after recovering from a knee injury. The England international leads the Red Devils in scoring this season with five goals.
Manchester United are 1-2-3 on the road this season.
Southampton may have lost their second consecutive Premier League game Wednesday against Arsenal but they left the Emirates with their heads unbowed after a spirited display against the North London giants.
The Saints held the Gunners at bay for majority of the match as it looked like the game was headed for a scoreless draw. Alexis Sanchez, however, broke Southampton’s hearts with an 88th-minute close-range effort to give Arsenal their third consecutive victory while extending the Saints’ winless streak to three games.
It won’t get any easier for them this coming Monday as they’ll next face a revitalized Manchester United side who have won all of their last four games. However, they will still fancy their chances of grabbing a surprise result because of their excellent play on the defensive end.
The Saints are best in the league in goals allowed this season, conceding just 10 goals so far this campaign. They are an even better defensive unit at home, allowing just four goals through their first seven games at St. Mary’s which is the second-best home mark in the league just behind Chelsea (3).
The key player for the Saints this season at the back is keeper Fraser Forster who was superb in their game against Arsenal. He produced save upon save in front of the Southampton goal, including this outstanding one-handed denial as the Gunners peppered him with 19 goal attempts.
He should expect the same kind of treatment this coming Monday as the Red Devils possess the fourth-best scoring mark in the league this season with 24 goals to their name. With Rooney and Di Maria back in full fitness, it would be wise for Koeman to utilize the same counter-attacking strategy he deployed against Arsenal which worked well for 88 minutes.
In that set-up, Southampton will pack the midfield and just break forward when the opportunity arises. The Saints, however, will have to find a replacement for midfield dynamo Jack Cork who suffered a hamstring injury midway through the first half of their game against Arsenal and is doubtful for their match this coming Monday.
Southampton are 5-1-1 at home this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Manchester United (+141) eke out a 1-0 shutout to extend their win streak to five games.
