Manchester United head to the South coast on Wednesday night to play Southampton in a match which has very little riding on it in terms of achieving something this season.
Southampton come into this match in 9th place in the Premier League but can finish one place higher if they win their remaining two games, including this one. The Saints also relying on West Bromwich Albion slipping up in their games.
Manchester United know Everton cannot catch them, so 6th place is secure. This is not what everyone expected at Old Trafford when the season started and Jose Mourinho has left himself under huge pressure to win the Europa League.
Catching Arsenal in 5th place is not impossible but is very unlikely.
Southampton vs. Manchester United
Premier League – Wednesday 17th May 2017 – 8:45pm
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Southampton
Manchester UnitedSouthampton Form
Claude Puel’s team have been struggling in recent weeks, winning only 1 of their previous 7 matches in the Premier League. That victory came on the weekend at already relegated Middlesbrough. The 2-1 win came as a relief to Puel and his players, who looked to be finishing the season on a downward spiral.
In truth, the fixtures have not been kind to Southampton, who have faced Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in recent weeks.
At home, the Saints have won just 1 of their previous 7 matches, which was a 3-1 win against Crystal Palace at the beginning of April. Southampton have failed to score a single goal in their last 3 home games.
Manchester United Form
Manchester United’s form has taken a turn for the worst towards the end of the season. The Red Devils have won 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions, which is not good enough for a team of this stature.
Defeat to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, plus draws with Manchester City and Swansea City mean it is impossible for Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League via the Premier League.
Up until last weekend, away form was good but the defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham have changed that and there is a danger any momentum the team had going into the end of the season will be lost.
Mourinho is playing a dangerous game by putting all his eggs in the Europa League basket.
Team News
Southampton are still without long-term casualties Virgil van Dijk and Alex McCarthy. Shane Long is also a doubt for this game.
Who knows that team Mourinho will select for this match. Marouane Fellaini returns from suspension so may start in midfield and Eric Bailly is likely to start in defence, as he is suspended for the Europa League final.
Paul Pogba could miss the game for personal reasons.
Top Betting Tips – Manchester United Playing a Dangerous Game
Manchester United’s Premier League form suggests this is a great opportunity for Southampton to pick up a rare win against the Red Devils. Mourinho clearly has the Europa League on his mind and you can get 7/4 with PaddyPower for Southampton to win this match.
However, Southampton have failed to score in 5 of their last 7 home games, including the last 3 in the Premier League. If Manchester United come to defend, it could be a difficult night for the Saints in-front of goal. Ladbrokes offer 17/2 for the match to end 0-0.
If Manchester United are to take maximum points, it’s not likely to come thanks to a comprehensive victory. Instead, it will be a narrow win and you can get 10/3 with Ladbrokes for Manchester United to win by 1 goal and 19/5 with BetVictor for them to win the match to nil.