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Manchester United vs Southampton: Match Preview, Predicted Lineups

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag delivered positive news, claiming a January return for Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag delivered positive news, claiming a January return for Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United vs Southampton Preview

Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Manchester United will host Southampton at Old Trafford in what is expected to be an exciting Premier League match on Sunday, March 12th, 2023.

Both teams come into the match with mixed form, with Manchester United currently sitting in 3rd place with 49 points and Southampton in 20th place with just 21 points.

Manchester United has had an up-and-down season so far, with some impressive performances mixed in with some disappointing results.

The Red Devils will be without Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen, who are out with a long-term injuries. However, Anthony Martial has returned to full training following his hip injury. Bruno Fernandes has been in excellent form this season, and the Portuguese international will be the main threat for Southampton’s defence. He has been involved in 11 goals in 24 appearances this season and will be looking to add to his tally against Southampton.

Predicted Lineups

Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Antony after scoring the team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Reading at Old Trafford on January 28, 2023 in Manchester, England
Casemiro and Antony of Manchester United. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Erik Ten Hag will likely set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with David de Gea in goal. The back four will likely consist of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez and Malacia. In midfield, Casemiro and Fred will provide the defensive cover, while Fernandes will play the number ten role. Antony and Rashford will play on either side of the attacking trio, with Weghorst leading the line.

Conversely, Southampton has had a difficult season so far, with inconsistency being their biggest problem. They have won two of their last five matches and have struggled to score goals. Carlos Alcaraz should be fit enough to start the game, after his goal-celebration antics last week. Valentino Livramento and Juan Larios will be Southampton’s absentees.

Rubén Sellés will likely set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bazunu in goal. The back four will likely consist of Maitland-Niles, Jan Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, and Walker-Peters. In midfield, James Ward-Prowse and Lavia will feature. Sulemana, Alcaraz and Theo Walcott will look to provide the service for Che Adams upfront.

Manchester United will be the favorites to win the match, but Southampton is a capable side that can cause an upset on their day. The Red Devils will need to be wary of Southampton’s threat on the counter-attack, and their defence will need to be solid to keep a clean sheet.

Overall, this match promises to be an exciting affair, with both teams desperate for a win. Manchester United will be looking to keep up the pressure on the teams above them in the table, while Southampton will be looking to climb up the table and put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

It will be interesting to see how both teams approach the match, but ultimately, it will come down to which team can take their chances and come out on top. Manchester United will be looking to secure a comfortable victory, but Southampton will be hoping to spoil their party and come away with a valuable point or three.

Checkout for all the latest betting tips.

Written by Aniket Rai

An ordinary football fan, doing what he loves.

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