So after a precious start to the new campaign, the red half of Manchester, Manchester United, will be playing their first home game of the new season. Expectations are sky high and the manager, as well as the players, will be looking reach the limits. This time around, the Devils will be welcoming the newly rejuvenated South Coast club, Southampton.

The Premier League side holds a wonderful away record against the Red Devils, as they have won the last two fixtures at the Theatre of Dreams, but this time around, the tables have turned and the result is most likely to be in the favour of the Reds, the reason being; the players themselves. The Saints have lost many of their key men, most notably, Ronald Koeman, Sadio Mane, Victor Wanyama and Graziano Pelle. Without any doubt, these were the absolute threat for every opposition.

Furthermore, United will be having a huge boost as all of their new signings are looking in a great shape. Talking about the recent result, Manchester United tasted their first victory of the new campaign as they defeated Bournemouth, while Southampton had a tough start to the season as they drew 1-1 against Watford last weekend.

Manchester United vs Southampton team news:

The German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is still training with the reserves, therefore, his participation in the game is highly unlikely. On the other hand, Jesse Lingard may return after missing the clash against Bournemouth due to an apparent knock he picked up in the Community Shield game.

Well, the good news for the Devils is the return of Mike Smalling….. Chris Smalling, excuse me. The towering Englishman missed the previous game against the Cherries due to his suspension and now, he could mark his return. Furthermore, the most awaited debut for Manchester United’s latest acquisition could take place as Paul Pogba is available for the selection. Besides that, we might see Henrikh Mkhitaryan starting the game this time around. So overall, it could well be a home debut for all the new signings.

On the other hand, for Southampton, Ryan Bertrand, and Florin Gardos are both doubtful for this contest with knee injuries, while their skipper Jose Fonte, who is currently linked with Manchester United, could return to the league if declared fit. Furthermore, Southampton’s summer signings – Nathan Redmond, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Jeremy Pied are also expected to start the game.

Predicted Lineup:

Manchester United:

De Gea

Valencia; Bailly; Smalling; Shaw

Carrick; Pogba

Mkhitaryan; Rooney; Martial

Ibrahimovic

Southampton:

Forster

Cedric; Fonte; Van Dijk; Targett

Hojbjerg; Ward-Prowse

Davis; Tadic; Redmond

Long

Stats: (taken from FourFourTwo)

• Manchester United have failed to win any of their last three home Premier League games against Southampton (D1 L2) after a run of 13 wins in 14 games against them before that.
• Southampton have won their last two league trips to Old Trafford, both 1-0; they have never won three in a row there in their entire league history.
• Manchester City are the only side to win three consecutive Premier League away games against Manchester United at Old Trafford (between 2011 and 2014).

• The Red Devils haven’t lost a home league game on a Friday since April 1950, when they lost 2-0 to Birmingham, winning 13 and drawing six games since.
• Anthony Martial scored his first brace for Manchester United against Southampton in a 3-2 win September 2015.
• After six successive Premier League shutouts between January-February 2016, Southampton have now gone 13 Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet.

Prediction:

Given the fact that Manchester United are in fine form, compared to Southampton, we might see the Reds clinching away all the three points. But, on the other hand, we cannot deny the fact that Southampton will be carrying a great away record against the Devils, therefore, a tight encounter is expected. All the players are well capable of giving each other a run for their money, especially to Zlatan, as Southampton has Van Dijk, who can outmuscle the Swede with his muscular presence.

2-0 United