Manchester United vs Southampton predictions: Dominant home display likely
- Manchester United knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Sunday
- Southampton have won just once in the league this season
- Recommended bet: Manchester United to win to nil
Manchester United have drawn with leaders Liverpool and beaten Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup in their last two games and they should maintain their improved form with a dominant home win over struggling Southampton.
New Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim endured a difficult start to his reign but there have been plenty of good signs of late.
Saints look to be heading for relegation as they are bottom, 10 points adrift of safety.
Team news
United wing-back Diogo Dalot is suspended following his sending-off at the Emirates at the weekend with either Amad Diallo or Tyrell Malacia tipped to replace him.
Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount are all still absent for the hosts, while Marcus Rashford is unlikely to be in the squad again amid uncertainty over his future at the club.
Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart are out for Saints but Flynn Downes is in contention to return and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is available again after undergoing Achilles surgery last April.
The stats
United have lost their last three home games in the Premier League to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
As of writing, the Red Devils are 13th in the table, 13 points off the top four.
United won the reverse fixture at St Mary's 3-0 in September.
Southampton have won just once in the top flight this season, beating Everton 1-0 at home in early November.
Saints did record a victory at the weekend, though, progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-0 home win over Championship team Swansea City.
Southampton are the lowest-scorers in the Premier League with just 12 goals from 20 games.
Southampton have lost four of their last six league games to nil.
Prediction
It has taken longer than Amorim would have wanted but finally Manchester United look to be moving in the right direction under the former Sporting CP coach.
After enduring a miserable festive period, during which the Red Devils lost at Wolves and at home to Bournemouth and Newcastle, they deservedly held leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield before edging out Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup, despite playing with 10 men for the final third of the game and extra-time.
The last two performances suggest the long-term future could well be bright under Amorim and there should be joy in the short-term, too, with a victory over rock-bottom Saints expected.
The appointment of Ivan Juric just before Christmas has not led to an upturn in fortunes for Southampton as the former Roma coach has overseen three straight defeats in the league.
They followed up narrow losses to West Ham and Crystal Palace with a heavy 5-0 reverse at home to Brentford and even though they boosted morale with a victory over the Swans in the cup, this has been a dismal campaign for Saints.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
