Predicted lineup of MU vs Southampton: Away team is missing many key players
The match between MU vs Southampton in the Premier League at 3:00 a.m. on January 17 promises to bring many exciting developments.
Both teams are in need of positive results to improve their position in the rankings. Below are the predicted lineups for both teams, based on squad information and recent form.
Latest MU squad information
Manchester United continue to struggle with several key players sidelined through injury. Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all still unavailable. Marcus Rashford could miss out due to uncertainty surrounding his future.
Diogo Dalot will miss out through suspension after picking up a red card against Arsenal. Tyrell Malacia is therefore likely to start at left-back, with Noussair Mazraoui or Amad Diallo taking over at right-back. Up front, Joshua Zirkzee could be tested as a striker in place of Rasmus Højlund if needed.
Latest Southampton squad information
Southampton are bottom of the table and have squad issues. Jack Stephens, Juan Larios and Ross Stewart are all out injured. However, Flynn Downes could return after missing the last three games.
Will Smallbone is fit and available, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is back after a long spell recovering from an Achilles injury, creating competition for Aaron Ramsdale for the starting spot. Up front, rising star Tyler Dibling is likely to start alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Predicted lineup for MU vs Southampton
Manchester United (3-4-2-1):
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez
Midfielders: Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia
Attacking midfielders: Diallo, Fernandes
Forward: Højlund
Coach Ruben Amorim could continue to use a 3-4-2-1 formation to take advantage of the pressing ability and flexibility of the midfield. Bruno Fernandes will remain the main source of creativity, while Højlund will lead the attack.
Southampton (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper: Ramsdale
Defenders: Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood
Midfielders: Bree, Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Walker-Peters
Forwards: Dibling, Archer, Sulemana
Southampton under coach Ivan Juric will likely continue to use a 3-4-3 formation to maintain a balance between attack and defense. Tyler Dibling and Kamaldeen Sulemana are expected to create breakthroughs from the wings.
With the current squad, Manchester United have the advantage of playing at home. However, Southampton also have promising young players like Tyler Dibling ready to create surprises. This promises to be a challenging match for both teams.
Score prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Southampton.
