Match preview : Southampton v/s Manchester United

Southampton FC v/s Manchester United FC

St. Mary’s Stadium

Kick Off : 16:00 BST, 20:30 IST(Sunday, 2nd Sep 2012)

Referee – Mike Dean

Sir Alex will be in charge of his 1000th league game, when Manchester United travel to Southampton for their third match of the season. United will be looking for their second straight win after last weekend’s 3-2 win over Fulham. Newly-promoted Southampton, who are playing at the top flight after seven years, are still looking for their first points on the scoreboard after losing to City and Wigan Athletic in the opening two games.

Interestingly, the last time these two sides met in the Premier League was in the final league game in 2004-05, when Nistelrooy’s 2nd half winner ensured the Saints’ relegation after their 27-years stay in the top flight. When asked whether revenge will be on the minds of the Southampton players, midfielder Adam Lallana said “Not really, no.” That remains to be seen.

Team preview:

Southampton:

Manager Nigel Adkins would be hoping for another fairytale outing, after he led his side to back-to-back promotions, from League One to the Premier League in the past couple of years. The Saints’ two new signings will not be able to play any part in this fixture. Japan defender Maya Yoshida will be busy with his international commitments. Zambia striker Emmanuel Mayuka is unlikely to feature after signing during the week. Former Chelsea trainee Jack Cork (ankle injury) is doubtful.

Midfielder Lallana is hoping to replicate the performance of Everton‘s season opener against United. Lallana believes the Saints can come out on top if they play like Everton did. He said: “The experience they have got; (Paul) Scholes, (Ryan) Giggs and (Rio) Ferdinand, the list is endless really. I think if we concentrate on what we are good at, we are at home I think we have got a chance of getting a result. I think Everton proved the other week that if you come out of the traps and press them and get the fans behind you then you can create chances and go on to win games.”

After a poor performance in the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan, Southampton would be looking to play like the way they did against City in the season opener.They did play well and will have to replicate that performance if they hope to take away anything from this fixture.

Southampton (Possible, 4-4-2): K Davis; Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox; Lambert, S Davis, Schneiderlin, Lallana; Do Prado, Rodriquez.

Manchester United :

United’s defensive woes will be reduced as Jonny Evans is set to return after recovering from a summer ankle operation. He should partner Vidic in the central defense with Carrick getting his position back in the midfield. Jones (back) and Ferdinand (groin) are doubtful, though they have started training. Rooney (thigh), Young (knee) and Chris Smalling (foot) are all out.

Ferguson did take a dig at the FA regarding Young’s injury. Roy Hodgson did not include Young in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Though FA did not explain Young’s absence, Ferguson blames them for making his injury public. “It was nice of the FA to let everyone know Ashley Young is injured,” said Ferguson. “There’s no point giving them any information now. “We have a game on Sunday and why should we alert our opponents as to who’s fit and who’s not fit? It won’t happen again.”

About Rooney’s injury, Sir Alex said that it could be a blessing in disguise as he would get more time to get in shape. The manager admitted that he had kept Rooney on the bench against Fulham as he was not fit. “The injury is maybe a blessing, because he can concentrate on his fitness now in the gymnasium in particular,” said Ferguson.“Wayne should be available for selection after four weeks because he’ll be able to train.“I think in four weeks he should be back. The fact it’s a gash and not a ligament or muscle injury means he can do a lot of work in the gym.”

Manchester United (Possible, 4-2-3-1): De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra; Carrick, Scholes; Valencia, Cleverley, Kagawa; Van Persie.

Prediction:

United are runaway favourites to bag three points from this fixture. On paper, the Southampton team is not as talented and organized as the Devils. They will have to play their best game to earn a point and take two off United. But, with Kagawa and van Persie settling into the squad,United should not have much problems in this game.

Southampton 1-3 Manchester United