Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League Saturday with a heart-stopping victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Red Devils will look to make it back-to-back victories when they take on Southampton in a marquee showdown this coming Sunday.
Who will emerge victorious in this blockbuster matchup? Read on below for a complete preview of this much-anticipated clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Arsenal vs. Chelsea and Manchester City vs. West Ham.
Southampton stretched their unbeaten run in the Premier League to three games with a drab 0-0 stalemate against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It was another disappointing draw for the Saints who dropped to 11th in the league table with six points to their name. What made the result so frustrating for Southampton was that they had total control of possession in this match. They had 65% of the ball in that game against West Brom.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]It won’t get any easier for the Saints this coming Sunday as standing in their way in their next match are 20-time champions Manchester United. The Red Devils have been in fine form to start the season, scoring 10 points in their opening five league matches. Southampton will take comfort in the fact, however, that they have fared extremely well against United of late. They defeated the Red Devils, 1-0, in their last Premier League meeting back in January.
For Southampton to record their second consecutive win against United this coming Sunday, they will need to improve on their misfiring offense. The Saints have now failed to score in four of their last six Premier League outings. The onus is on Graziano Pelle to carry the scoring load for Southampton. The Italian striker has already scored four goals in all competitions this season.
Southampton are 1-1-3 in their last five Premier League matches.
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Betting on Manchester United
Let the Anthony Martial era begin.
Manchester United’s £36m teenager marked his Premier League debut in spectacular fashion with a stunning goal as the Red Devils cruised to a 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old Frenchman made himself an instant hero after coming on as a second-half substitute, slaloming between Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne and Martin Skrtel before delivering a composed finish in front of the Stretford End.
It was a huge result for the Red Devils who moved to within five points of Manchester City for first place in the Premier League standings. With the victory, the Red Devils extended their winning streak against Liverpool to three matches.
Apart from Martial, David de Gea also got a rapturous reception from the Old Trafford faithful. The Spanish goalkeeper made his first appearance of the season after signing a new four-year contract with United following the sensational breakdown of his proposed move to Real Madrid. He demonstrated his worth in this match with crucial saves from Danny Ings and Jordon Ibe.
United will need De Gea now more than ever especially with the news that left-back Luke Shaw will be out for the rest of the season. The England international suffered a leg fracture in United’s Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven during midweek. Shaw was an integral part of a United backline that has conceded just three goals this season, second-best in the entire Premier League.
Manchester United are 3-1-1 in their last five Premier League matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Manchester United (+121) extend their winning streak to two games with a narrow 1-0 victory.
