Predicted 4-2-3-1 Southampton XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League
Southampton took the lead against Fulham but weren’t able to capitalise on it as some basic defensive errors cost the Saints.
Mark Hughes’ men slipped down to the relegation zone as a result of that 3-2 defeat last week and they will be up against it once again when they play host to Manchester United on Saturday.
The Red Devils have struggled for form in recent weeks and the Saints should take heart from the fact that Crystal Palace were able to pinch a point away at Old Trafford last week.
Team News
Danny Ings has trained with the team this week and will be pushing for a return from a thigh injury while Shane Long is ruled out with an ankle injury.
Mark Hughes will be expected to make quite a few changes to the team that lost on penalties to Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Mark Hughes
Predicted XI
1. Alex McCarthy (GK)
Made some good saves in the last game and has always been a reliable presence between the sticks.
2. Cedric Soares (RB)
The Portuguese international did not do enough at the back against Fulham but bagged an assist.
3. Jack Stephens (CB)
Maya Yoshida failed to cope with the threat of Mitrovic in the last game and the strong Englishman should take his position in the heart of the defence.
4. Jannik Vestergaard (CB)
He put in a good shift at the back in the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester and Hughes should hand him another start ahead of Wesley Hoedt who was absolutely outclassed by Fulham.
5. Ryan Bertrand (LB)
The former Chelsea man has been a useful presence down the left and should replace Matt Targett.
6. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CDM)
The Dane’s form seems to have dipped in recent weeks after a bright start to the season and he will need to be at the top of his game against Manchester United.
7. Mario Lemina (CDM)
Struggled to play himself in against Fulham and he will need to improve his defensive awareness against a potent United attack.
8. Manolo Gabbiadini (RW)
He is one of the pillars of Southampton’s attack and the Saints will rely heavily on him to deliver the goods on Saturday.
9. Nathan Redmond (LW)
He has been disappointing all season but Southampton hardly have an option to replace him.
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10. Stuart Armstrong (CAM)
The former Celtic man was in great form against Fulham as he got his name on the scoresheet twice. He will need to rise to the occasion once again on Saturday to give the Saints some hope.
11. Danny Ings (ST)
The Liverpool loanee should replace Charlie Austin as the spearhead of the attack if he is fit to start on Saturday.
