By Dave Marshall
Manchester United will be hoping to end the year on a high by returning to winning ways having failed to win any of our last three games in all competitions as we hosts a Mauricio Pellegrino’s struggling side at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils will be hoping to continue their impressive home form against the Saints having won all games at Old Trafford so far this term barring the 2-1 defeat to table toppers Manchester City and the 2-2 draw against Sean Dyche Burnley on Boxing Day.
Even though the Saints are struggling at the moment it won’t be an easy game and Maurico Pellegrino will likely set out to sit deep and hit us on a counter, but the all-round quality we possess should be able to give us a much needed win.
We take a look at Manchester United predicted line-up against Southampton.
Goalkeeper
Spanish international, David De Gea is arguably the best keeper in the League and is expected to remain in goal barring any injury worries. He may be hoping to add to his cleansheet tally for the season having failed to keep a clean sheet in his last three games.
Defence
United growing injury list in defence continues with Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia still out but the return of Matteo Darmian will give Jose Mourinho another option in defence.
United have been solid defensively so far this season but have been poor at defending set-pieces lately.
Jose Mourinho is expected to stick to his four at the back system but will likely make some changes. At right back, Ashley Young is expected to keep his place on the right after putting in a good shift against the Clarets in mid-week while in the heart of defence, Phil Jones is expected to partner Victor Lindelof.
At left back, Luke Shaw is expected to retain his place after giving a good account of himself against the Clarets on Boxing Day.
Midfield
Paul Pogba will likely partner Nemanja Matic in a midfield pivot against the Saints. Both players are expected to marshall the midfield and provide the necessary cover for the defence.
In attacking midfield, Marcus Rashford is expected to play from the left wing whilst behind the striker, Jesse Lingard will be hoping to continue his fine form and add to his tally for the season having come off the bench to score a brace in mid-week. On the right, Juan Mata is expected to retain his place.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku is expected to lead the line and will be hoping to deliver the goods having failed to score in his last two Premier league games.
Probable lineup: De Gea, Young, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw, Matic, Pogba, Rashford, Lingard, Mata, Lukaku.