Man United will take on Southampton in the midweek clash of the Premier League 2020-21. Ole’s men have earned just one point from the last two top-flight games, while Southampton are coming off three straight defeats.
Match Timings: Feb 03, 1:45 AM IST
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Man United will play its first clash of February against struggling Southampton. In the pursuit of the title glory, Ole cannot afford a draw or defeat here. In the last two outings, they suffered one defeat, and one match was ended in a draw. Man City have taken the lead to three points, and they also have one game in hand. Leicester City’s defeat helped United to retain the second spot in the table. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side is coming off a goalless draw against Arsenal, and the poor show against top-six clubs continued. Edinson Cavani missed two good chances in the goalless draw, and it hurt United in the points table.
Against the top six clubs, United haven’t earned a victory this season. They defeated Liverpool in FA Cup, but they couldn’t replicate the same in the top-flight. Red Devils have conceded 27 goals so far, and it’s a poor record for the 20-times Premier League winner. United’s poor record at Old Trafford continued, and they have picked just 14 points from a possible 30 this season. In the first week of February, United will take on two strong sides, Southampton and Everton, at home. They also have a tough FA Cup clash with West Ham. Ole has to figure out the best lineups for these tough games. Europa League encounters are also around the corner this month, and Red Devils will have a hectic schedule.
Meanwhile, the start for Southampton in 2021 was gorgeous when they defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the New Year clash. They had suffered three consecutive losses, coming into this away clash. The previous home defeat to Aston Villa trouble its chances for the top four. In January, they were beaten by Leicester, Arsenal and Aston Villa, after beating the reigning winners.
They have moved to 11th in the table, and the task to get three points at Old Trafford won’t be easy. Ralph Hasenhuttl's men lost to United 3-2 at St Mary’s in the last meeting between two sides. The Saints haven’t defeated Red Devils in the top-flight since January 2016. In its last visit to Old Trafford, Saints held United for a draw. The away record is pretty decent for them as Southampton suffered only two defeats this season, and three times, they emerged a winner. United’s bad record at home can boost its game as Ole’s side lost four times this season at home.
Possible Lineups & Current Form
Man United
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Matic; Pogba, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Current form: W D W W L D
Previous match: goalless draw with Arsenal
Southampton
McCarthy; Valery, Bednarek, Stephens, Bertrand; Walcott, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong; Adams, Ings
Current form: W L W W L L
Previous match: 1-0 defeat to Southampton
Key Players
Man United
Bruno Fernandes
11 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Marcus Rashford
7 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Southampton
Danny Ings
7 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Che Adams
4 goals in Premier League 2020-21
