Southampton have lost just once in the Premier League since getting beaten by Manchester United in December. Can the Saints keep from stumbling again at Southampton?
While these two teams sit well back of the top two sides of the Premier League, Manchester United and Southampton still represent a strong, if surprising, third and fourth place pairing in England. The two face off today in a duel to see who can pull closer to Chelsea and Manchester City, and if these two teams play up to their potential, this could be a very open and entertaining match.
Manchester United haven't lost in the EPL since falling 1-0 to their cross town rivals Manchester City in early November. They've rocketed from tenth to third in that time, which is a surprise if you think back to how mediocre they were a year ago and how uncertain things looked for them heading in to the season.
Southampton survived heavy losses in the summer transfer marker thanks to some shrewd purchases, and with a little bit of luck on their side they've sat as high as second place. A bad run of injuries coincided with a dip in form, resulting in four straight bad losses - including the last time these two teams faced off - and a small tumble down the table. The Saints have gotten healthier and managed to steady the ship, though, including a big win over Arsenal and a hard-fought draw against Chelsea during the holiday period. They've clawed their way back to fourth place, and will be looking for a little bit of revenge at Old Trafford as they try to leapfrog United back in to third.
Key player - Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
With a likely starting central defense pairing of Jose Fonte and Toby Alderweireld for Southampton, no one will be salivating more than Van Persie. The Dutch striker hasn't scored since Boxing Day, and will be eagerly looking to correct that against the Saints' less-than-stout defensive unit. Fonte doesn't have the footspeed to keep up with Van Persie's ability to burst in to space for through balls, and Alderweireld lacks the positional discipline to keep him from finding gaps to exploit. Van Persie scored two goals against Southampton in December at St. Mary's; with the Old Trafford crowd behind him, he'll be looking to put on an even bigger show in this match.
Key Matchup - Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton) vs. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Schneiderlin's recent return to his best form has been a major key for Southampton's recent improvement, and how he performs will be vital to how this match goes for the Saints. That's especially true because he's the one most likely to be tasked with containing Rooney, who will be looking to end a three-match goalless skid. Louis Van Gaal has found much success using Rooney as a direct support for his strikers, but in a match like this Schneiderlin's athleticism and discipline might be enough to keep him quiet. If he pulls that off, United will have to find their creativity elsewhere, and that could leave them scrambling.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Ashley Young (hamstring), Tom Thorpe (ankle) In doubt: Luke Shaw (ankle), Rafael (facial fracture), Antonio Valencia (groin), Marouane Fellaini (rib), Marcos Rojo (thigh), Daley Blind (knee)
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Sadio Mane (calf/AFCON), Jake Hesketh (knee), Sam Gallagher (knee), Jay Rodriguez (knee) list In doubt: Nathaniel Clyne (ankle), Jack Cork (ankle)
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 4:00 P.M. local, 11:00 A.M. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), SportsNet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), SportsNet World Now (Canada)
Source SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1ADCniy
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