The stakes are at an all-time high for Manchester United and Southampton ahead of Thursday night's kickoff at Old Trafford. Both teams need three points to breathe new life into their stuttering Premier League campaigns.
Stranded in mid-table, Man Utd lag 11 points behind sixth-placed Manchester City, while Southampton remain nailed to the foot of the table amid one of the worst top-flight campaigns in recent memory. As a result, there's no margin for error.
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Manchester United Recent Form
December couldn't have ended soon enough for Man Utd as they lost five league matches in one calendar month for the first time since September 1962. As if that wasn't miserable enough, the Red Devils lost three consecutive home games in top-flight action since 1979, heightening the pressure on the team.
Ruben Amorim's charges have flipped the script in early 2025. After a dramatic 2-2 draw at pacesetters Liverpool, they defied numerical disadvantage to crash Arsenal out of the FA Cup third round via a penalty shootout, lifting their spirits ahead of this must-win fixture.
Injury and Team News
Altay Bayindir emerged as United's hero at the Emirates Stadium, thwarting Martin Odegaard's penalty in regulation before denying Kai Havertz in the shootout. The prodigious goalkeeper couldn't hide his excitement in his post-match interview but will likely return to the bench.
Despite conceding a controversial penalty in the second half, Harry Maguire should start at the heart of Amorim's backline. Whether he deserves a new contract remains debatable, but the former captain is among Man Utd's most in-form defenders.
Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof aren't in contention for the matchday squad. They're all injured, while Marcus Rashford remains on the fringes amid wild speculation surrounding his future.
Last Manchester United Lineup
Southampton Recent Form
Southampton's 3-0 rout of second-tier Swansea City in the FA Cup last weekend handed them a timely confidence boost as they seek only their second Premier League win this term. Manager Ivan Juric has lost all three league games in charge, highlighting the scale of the task awaiting the Saints this midweek.
Adding to an ever-growing list of problems, Southampton haven't won any of their last 17 Premier League games on the road, including eight defeats from ten this season. However, their only away points came on their four most recent travels, even though they averaged a below-par 0.5 goals per game.
Injury and Team News
Southampton will take this trip without captain Jack Stephens and versatile forward Ross Stewart. Midfielder Flynn Downes remains the only doubt.
Last Southampton Lineup
Manchester United Player To Watch
Amad Diallo
The Ivorian winger stands on the brink of history. He's one goal/assist away from becoming the first African player to contribute to ten league goals in one season for Man Utd.
Southampton Player To Watch
Tyler Dibling
Dibling drew a penalty in September's reverse and is headed into proceedings in fine form, having netted three goals in his last three appearances for Southampton.
Prediction
Fancying Man Utd to take three points against any other side would be impossible, but Southampton's next-level struggles make it the only reasonable choice.
Our prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Southampton
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Both Teams to Score - No: Southampton's scoring woes are too deep to be overlooked, with the Saints drawing a blank in five of their last six league games.
Tip 2
Manchester United to win despite -1 handicap: It's time for Amorim's side to give the Old Trafford faithful something to cheer about.
Tip 3
Under 2.5 goals: It's not a popular bet, yet Southampton aren't the only misfiring team in this match-up.
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