EPL 2016/17: Manchester United Vs Southampton - Team News, Predicted line-up

Indian Super League Prediction

April 19 2024, 07:30 PM

Odisha

Kerala Blasters

Manchester, Aug 18: Manchester United take on Southampton in a crucial English Premier League game week 2 tie on Friday night (August 19).

The FA have introduced the new system in this season's calender where Friday night games have included in the schedule.

Manchester United players celebrate after scoring against Bournemouth (Image courtesy: Manchester United Twitter handle)

The Red Devils started their campaign on a high last week as they defeated AFC Bournemouth 3-1. It also officially marked the beginning of Jose Mourinho era at Old Trafford.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney were on target to guide United to comfortable win and thereby taking the team to top of the table with a higher goal difference.

Southampton on the other hand drew 1-1 with fellow English side Watford. Southampton too have found a new manager after former manager Ronald Koeman joined Everton.

It is going to be a difficult season for the Saints given the fact that they have once again sold some important players, most important being star striker Sadio Mane to Liverpool.

Team News

Manchester United have just one injury Jese Lingaard who is expected to make a comeback later this month.

Defender Chris Smalling comesback to the squad from injury and Mourinho most likely would place him in the starting XI alonside Eric Bailly. Daley Blind will likely be axed from the side.

Another notable change which is expected to happen in the starting lineup is the inclusion of Paul Pogba who was brought back from Juventus this summer for a world record transfer fee of £89.3 m.

The French midfielder missed the first game as he was serving a one match suspension which carry forward from the previous season.

This week the ban has been revoked and Pogba is ready to take his place replacing an underperforming Maroaune Fellaini in the midfielder.

Saints boss Puel will miss Florin Gardos due to an injury. Star defender Jose Fonte could be rested following his Euro 2016 exertions. The defender joined late and as a result will likely take another week to regain match fitness.

English internation defender Ryan Bertrand is lacking in match fitness and Targett could once again fill his place in the left back position.

Here are the predicted lineups of both the sides:

Manchester United Predicted XI

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw

Midfielders: Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic