Manchester United vs Southampton Predictions

Manchester United vs Southampton predictions for this Premier League fixture. Manchester United host Southampton on Thursday, aiming to build on FA Cup wins. Both struggling sides seek momentum, with Old Trafford offering United a key advantage in this Premier League clash. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Premier League | Jan 16, 2025 at 8pm UK at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs Southampton Predictions

Can Manchester United Reignite Their Season or Will Southampton Spring a Surprise at Old Trafford?

• Leaky Defences on Display: Manchester United and Southampton have conceded a combined 72 goals this season, highlighting the likelihood of goals at both ends.
• Southampton’s Away-Day Woes: The Saints have failed to win any of their last 17 Premier League away matches, including eight defeats by two or more goals this term.
• Fernandes the Game-Changer: Bruno Fernandes has contributed three goals and an assist in his last five appearances against Southampton, making him a key figure to watch.

Our Tips

Manchester United and Southampton will clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with both sides desperate for Premier League points for very different reasons. For Manchester United, a season that has largely been a disappointment under Ruben Amorim is showing signs of life after back-to-back results against Liverpool and Arsenal that have sparked cautious optimism. A battling 2-2 draw at Anfield and a gutsy penalty-shootout win over Arsenal in the FA Cup have offered a glimpse of the resilience United fans have been craving. However, with only one win in their last seven Premier League games and a precarious 13th-place standing, the Red Devils remain dangerously close to the relegation scrap.

Southampton, meanwhile, are enduring a nightmare season. Rock bottom of the league, they have claimed just six points from 20 matches and have a staggering -32 goal difference. New boss Ivan Juric inherited a mess, and while their FA Cup win over Swansea provided brief respite, their recent 5-0 humiliation against Brentford highlighted the magnitude of the task ahead. The Saints have been unable to muster a single win away from home all season and now face a Manchester United side desperate to end their own home struggles after three consecutive defeats at Old Trafford. The stage is set for a battle that pits a team searching for redemption against one fighting for survival.

Best Bet: Manchester United to Win and Both Teams to Score

The standout prediction for this fixture is for Manchester United to win, but not without conceding. The hosts have struggled defensively in recent weeks, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Southampton, for all their faults, have shown some attacking promise in recent outings, including their 3-0 FA Cup win over Swansea where youngster Tyler Dibling shone with a brace. However, the Saints’ brittle defence has been their Achilles’ heel, conceding 51 goals in 20 games, which makes it hard to imagine them keeping out United’s forwards.

United’s attack, although inconsistent, has shown flashes of quality. Bruno Fernandes has been the catalyst in recent matches, registering an assist against Liverpool before finding the net against Arsenal. Fernandes, along with the potential inclusion of Joshua Zirkzee up front, gives United enough firepower to breach a Southampton defence that has been leaking goals at an alarming rate. The Red Devils’ attacking options, combined with Southampton’s defensive frailties, make a home win the logical outcome.

However, it’s unlikely to be a clean victory for the home side. Despite their struggles, Southampton have found the net in recent games, including against Fulham and Arsenal earlier this season. Tyler Dibling, who looks to be a rare bright spark for the Saints, could capitalise on United’s shaky backline. Additionally, with Manchester United still struggling to achieve defensive cohesion under Amorim, it would not be surprising if the visitors managed to score at least once.

As BettingTips4You.com expert Tyler Morris explains, “Manchester United should have enough firepower to win this match, but their defensive issues are hard to ignore. Southampton have shown they can create chances, so backing both teams to score feels like a smart approach.”

This prediction offers good value and aligns with the data from both teams’ recent matches. United are the favourites to win, but the likelihood of a Southampton goal adds an extra layer of intrigue to what might otherwise seem a straightforward affair.

Second Prediction: Bruno Fernandes to Score or Assist

A key figure in Manchester United’s recent resurgence, Bruno Fernandes is a player who thrives on delivering in crucial moments. Fernandes has consistently been involved in his side’s most important attacking moves and has shown an ability to influence matches against weaker opposition. With Southampton’s defence as porous as it is, Fernandes is likely to play a central role in United’s attacking efforts.

Fernandes’ performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion. Scoring his seventh goal of the season, the Portuguese international demonstrated not only his finishing ability but also his leadership qualities. His history against Southampton further bolsters his credentials, as he has scored three times in eight appearances against the Saints. Additionally, with Fernandes operating as the creative hub of United’s midfield, his chances of registering an assist are equally strong, especially given the vulnerabilities in Southampton’s defensive structure.

Southampton’s tendency to concede from midfield runners and set pieces plays directly into Fernandes’ strengths. Whether it’s a long-range effort, a penalty, or a cleverly threaded pass to a forward, Fernandes has multiple routes to impacting the scoreline. Backing him to score or assist provides a high probability return, especially given his recent form.

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Correct Score Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Southampton

A 3-1 victory for Manchester United feels like the most plausible outcome given the context of both teams’ form and styles of play. The Red Devils’ attack should have little trouble breaking down a Southampton defence that has conceded at least two goals in 16 of their 20 Premier League games this season. With Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield and potential contributions from Hojlund and Diallo in attack, United look well-placed to rack up goals.

Southampton, however, are unlikely to go down without some resistance. Their performance in the FA Cup against Swansea demonstrated a willingness to push forward, and Dibling’s recent brace suggests that they have some attacking flair capable of troubling United’s unsettled defence. Despite their miserable form, the Saints have shown an ability to capitalise on lapses in concentration from opponents, and Manchester United’s backline has been far from solid this season.

While United are expected to dominate, their defensive vulnerabilities make it likely that Southampton will find the net at least once. This scoreline reflects a game where the home side’s superior quality in attack ultimately overcomes the visitors’ defensive shortcomings, but not without a few nervy moments.

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