Man United vs Southampton: Match Preview, what to expect, key players

Manchester United face Southampton in the Premier League at Old Trafford tonight.

United are winless in their last four league games, including their previous two home fixtures.

However, they have gained momentum after holding table-toppers Liverpool to a draw in their most recent league fixture.

They also knocked out Arsenal from the FA Cup despite playing with 10 men for a large part of the encounter last weekend.

Southampton are bottom of the league standings, picking up just one victory this season.

They recently hired manager Ivan Juric to change their fortunes. They have picked just one win under him in all competitions and none in the league.

Match preview

Man United are unbeaten in their last 15 games against Southampton, winning eight and drawing seven.

The Red Devils have lost their last three home games for the first time in 45 years. The last time they lost four on the bounce in the league was in 1930.

The Saints are winless in their last 17 fixtures on the road. They will need a spirited performance against United to stop their poor away form.

Southampton will miss only Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart for the clash. Flynn Downes is back in contention after being on the sidelines since Boxing Day.

United will be without versatile full-back Diogo Dalot. He will be serving a one-match suspension for the red card he received against Arsenal.

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans remain out.

What to expect

Despite their struggle for form, Southampton are possession-oriented. They rank eighth for the average possession per game in the league this term.

While United will dominate, the Saints will likely enjoy some possession in the encounter.

Southampton may not pose much of a threat to United’s defence. They are averaging the second-fewest shots and the lowest shots on target per game in the league this season.

The Red Devils do not rank highly for offensive threats, placing 12th for shots and 11th for shots on target per game. They should still pose a huge threat to the Saints’ defence.

Key players

Man United

Amad Diallo: The Ivorian has bagged three goals and six assists in 12 league starts. He could become the first African player to register double goal involvements in a season for United.

Bruno Fernandes: The Portuguese scored a brilliant goal against Arsenal. The Red Devils will be counting on his brilliance to win this game.

Southampton

Aaron Ramsdale: The English goalkeeper has been one of the best players for the Saints. He ranks 14th for save percentage and 10th for goals prevented.

Tyler Dibling: The 18-year-old has been a bright spark for Southampton. He grabbed a brace against Swansea in the FA Cup last weekend and will be confident heading into this fixture.

Stats from sofascore.com & bbc.com.