Southampton vs. Manchester United – Odds and Predictions

As the Premier League returns from the first international break of the season, Southampton are set to host Manchester United for the 12:30 kick-off. The Saints have struggled in their opening three matches despite averaging 69% of the ball so far, amounting to 13 shots per match and displaying a lack of cutting edge and quality in the final third.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s men come into this match-up with their own point to prove after losing 3-0 to bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. In this game, they will need to show more discipline defensively, which was a consistent issue for the Dutchman last season, and will need all three points in this one to get United back on track.

Match Result

United in desperate need of a bounce-back

Given the talent disparity available to both sides, it is understandable why Southampton enter this match as underdogs, facing their first test against the ‘big six’ this season.

Despite the gap financially and player abilities between the two, Russell Martin will be confident that he may be able to produce a shock against the Red Devils, as his side will likely look to press high up the pitch, hoping to catch their opponents out in a final third turnover, getting players in supporting positions to provide overloads.

However, if Southampton fail to convert their chances or United are able to play out around them, they could be left vulnerable to quick transitions and will need to find the right balance between pressing and defending their own penalty area to be successful here.

For Manchester United, it comes as no surprise that they have the favourable odds here, but after their last outing, this game will be about making sure the basics are done correctly, as in the opening matches there have been signs of them attaining the ability to play out from the back effectively and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Too many times, players have been left unmarked in dangerous areas, or silly mistakes in possession have been made in their own half with poor defensive structure, so it will be vital that they also find a level of defensive composure and organisation. It may not be necessary for three points due to their attacking quality, but good habits will need to be adopted heading forward.

Over/Under

GMS picks with analysis

Going by the history between these two in their head-to-head fixtures, the goals have not been flying in with only five goals have been exchanged between the two sides in the last four games. In their last match-up, it finished as a scoreless draw, and as the odds currently stand, the event of a 0-0 draw would provide a 12/1 return.

However, do be aware that before the last four matches, Manchester United managed one of the biggest scorelines in Premier League history over their opponents, putting nine past them in a demolition job in 2021, a result that will live long in the memory of Southampton fans.

Goalscorers

Zirkzee odds looking promising

As the home side possess the worst goalscoring return in the division so far, it is understandable that the odds are heavily stacked in favour of ‘the Red Devils’, although this does produce better returns for Southampton forwards who may be able to get a goal.

Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund’s odds were looking good but is now a major doubt for the weekend. Joshua Zirkzee odds are looking more favourable at 4/1 and is more likely to receive a starting spot in Ten Hag’s side. The new signing proved he can get among the goals after scoring on his debut, coming off the bench to grab the winner for his side at the death against Fulham on the first day of the season.

For Southampton, Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong attain the most favourable odds to get on the scoresheet here as Martin has decided to start the front two two thus far.

Predictions

Ten Hag to get much-needed win

Both sides will feel that this game could be used as a landmark to spring themselves properly into the new season, as they have both had disappointing beginnings to their campaigns, respectively. Southampton will be desperate to turn possession and good football into end product, and Manchester United will be hopeful that they can put in a balanced and dominant performance that the money that they have spent demands.

Alternatively to the recent history between these two, due to the poor defensive discipline displayed by Manchester United last season and at the beginning of this, coupled with the way that Southampton will try and play, this fixture has goals written all over it and could be the perfect way to start off the football on Saturday. This is likely to be an end-to-end game where chances arise for both sides, but due to the superior finishing and quality, the away side has to be the favourites here. GMS Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Manchester United

All odds from bet365 and are correct as of 15:00 GMT, 13/9/24.