Manchester United v Southampton: United favourites to banish Tottenham heartbreak

Manchester United v Southampton
English Premier League
Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Wednesday 30 January, 2013
20:00 GMT

Manchester United will be the favourites to beat Southampton at Old Trafford and maintain their five point lead over Manchester City. Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping for a better performance from his team than during the 3-2 win at the Saints earlier this season.

Manchester United Preview

Spurs are the only side to have gone to Old Trafford so far this season and taken anything away with them after 90 minutes. This means all of the odds at https://sports.bwin.com/en/sports/4/betting/football should favour the home side.

The record of ten wins United have produced has been triggered by an attack that has scored 30 goals. Arsenal are the only other side with a similar goals tally at home.

Injuries and Suspensions

Darren Fletcher has unfortunately been ruled out for the rest of the season with his bowel condition. Jonny Evans is the only first team regular who looks as though he’s going to miss out with a slight hamstring problem. United have no suspensions ahead of this match.

United are the heavy odds on favourites with Bwin at 1/5.

Southampton Preview

It’s difficult to have any idea over how the Saints are likely to play in this match after an impressive first display under Mauricio Pochettino. They have two wins, three draws and six defeats away from home with the side conceding a staggering 26 goals which is the reason for the three draws and high number of losses.

Injuries and Suspensions

Emmanuel Mayuka is away at the African Cup of Nations with Zambia. Key attacking influence Adam Lallana is struggling with a knee problem as is central defender Jose Fonte. The Saints have no suspensions to worry about and no other players away at the Cup of Nations.

You can get 21/2 on a Saints win from bwin if you think it’s possible.

Manchester United v Southampton Statistics

United have recovered well after conceding a lot of early goals over the first half of the season which could have damaged their title challenge. They have 18 wins which is more than any other side and have only lost on three occasions; Everton, Norwich City and Tottenham.

Southampton’s problem has been their defence, which is the sole reason they have a goal difference of minus ten. They have conceded 40 goals which is one of the worst totals in the Premier League. They have won only five matches all season.

Head to Head

United have entertained Southampton at their home ground on 53 occasions. United lead the way in terms of wins with a current advantage of 29 victories over the Saints. United were 3-0 winners the last time these sides met in the league at Old Trafford.

Recent Form

United have been solid with two wins and a draw from their January matches so far. They conceded a last minute equaliser away to Tottenham Hotspur in their last match which is the only thing that has stopped them from having a perfect record.

Southampton will be confident because they haven’t lost a game this January and have only lost two in their last 13. The Saints have played well to secure draws against three sides in the Premier League’s current top six.

Manchester United v Southampton Prediction

United will be determined to put three more points on the board and they should be fresh as they are likely to make several changes for the FA Cup match against Fulham this weekend.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Southampton – this result is best priced with bwin at 27/4.