Southampton v Manchester United: Red Devils look to maintain momentum
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Southampton v Man Utd betting tips and odds
Manchester United get the chance to see if their stunning win against Liverpool was not just a flash in the pan when they travel to Southampton in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford gave the hosts a deserved 2-0 lead on Monday night although Mo Salah’s late header set up a nervy finish.
The Red Devils are just 3/4 to make it back-to-back wins, but let’s look at some of the main talking points and odds to help with our Southampton v Man Utd betting tips.
Southampton v Manchester United form
Prior to the incredible 2-1 victory over their arch rivals, United’s form had been atrocious, losing their opening game 2-1 at home to Brighton and then conceding four first-half goals in a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford which saw them slump to the bottom of the table, so it’s safe to say Monday’s win came as a big surprise.
Manager Erik ten Hag raised plenty of eyebrows by leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire on the bench against the Merseysiders, but his gamble paid off as an energetic and aggressive high-pressing performance ultimately proved too much for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Ten Hag said United’s “fighting spirit” and “different approach” was the key to their success which lifted them above Liverpool in the table and we can expect to see a similar display at Southampton, who are 10/3 to cause an upset.
🗣️ Loud and clear from Erik. #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2022
Saints secured their first win of the season at the weekend as substitute Che Adams scored twice in a 2-1 comeback victory at Leicester and netted another double in Tuesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup success at Cambridge.
Southampton showed their steely resolve for the second week in a row having fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Leeds before responding in style to James Maddison’s opener on Saturday.
Despite their win at the King Power which moved them up to 11th place, Southampton are 2/1 third favourites in the Premier League relegation odds.
“A beautiful evening” ✨
Ralph Hasenhüttl reflects on #SaintsFC’s victory at #CamUTD:
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 23, 2022
All three of Southampton’s games have involved goals at both ends, so the visitors to win and concede at 2/1 looks an interesting option.
However, at slightly bigger odds, the Red Devils to win or draw, both teams to score in the second half and over 2.5 goals in the match appeals at 11/4 as a #GetAPrice option as the first of our Southampton v Man United betting tips.
Southampton v Manchester United head to head
Both matches ended in 1-1 draws last season, so we go 29/10 on a share of the spoils, 17/5 with goals thrown into the equation and it’s 13/2 on a repeat of that scoreline.
Interestingly, three of the last four meetings between these clubs at St Mary’s have been drawn with goals at both ends and in the 2020-21 season, it took an Edinson Cavani stoppage-time winner to give United a 3-2 victory, so contests have been very close.
Full of praise for his team 👏#MUFC || #MUNLIV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 22, 2022
A goal in both halves and the match to be drawn would have paid out in four of the last six overall encounters and that option can be backed at 11/2.
It was just over 18 months ago that Southampton suffered a humiliating 9-0 defeat at Old Trafford and although that scenario is exremely unlikely, United to win and over 3.5 goals is available at 14/5.
Southampton v Manchester United team news
The big question is whether Ten Hag decides to leave Ronaldo and Maguire on the bench again.
Lisandro Martinez was superb at the back alongside Raphael Varane on Monday, so Maguire is unlikely to start and wantaway Ronaldo seems ill-suited to the high-press tactics demanded by the Dutchman, so may have to be satisfied with a cameo role.
Casemiro was introduced to the crowd following the Brazilian midfielder’s £60million move from Real Madrid, but it remains to be seen whether he is involved.
Erik has explained what he believes @Casemiro will bring to our squad 💪🇧🇷#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 23, 2022
Anthony Elanga struck the post in the first half and was replaced at the break by Anthony Martial who supplied the through-ball for United’s second, so he could start after an encouraging pre-season.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl fielded a mixture of youth and experience on Tuesday, but James Ward-Prowse and Kyle Walker-Peters will almost certainly return to the starting line-up.
Adams’ goalscoring exploits mean he is likely to start at the expense of Sekou Mara.
Goalscorer odds
Sancho broke the deadlock against Liverpool and against Southampton at Old Trafford last season, so he appeals at 10/1 to repeat the trick or 10/3 to get on the scoresheet again.
Rashford is 7/1 and 12/5 in the two markets having put in an impressive goalscoring display against the Merseysiders.
Ronaldo is the 14/5 favourite to strike first, but with Ten Hag set to stick with a winning formula it seems unlikely the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be in the starting XI.
First class at Cambridge 🤓
Full report from a successful night in the #CarabaoCup for #SaintsFC:
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 23, 2022
The Portugal captain only came on for the last four minutes and if that proves to be the case again he lacks appeal at 5/6 to get on the scoresheet.
Scotland striker Adams is 7/1 to bag the opening goal or 12/5 to find the net, while set-piece expert Ward-Prowse can be backed at 17/2 and 14/5 in the two markets.
Match Info
Where: St Mary’s Stadium
When: 12:30, Saturday 27th August
How to watch: BT Sport
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
