Predicted Manchester United vs Southampton lineup: The away team will be missing several key players.
The match between MU and Southampton in the English Premier League at 3:00 AM on January 17th promises to be full of exciting developments.
Both teams are in need of positive results to improve their positions in the standings. Below are predictions for the starting lineups of both teams, based on squad information and recent form.
Latest Manchester United squad information
Manchester United continue to struggle as several key players are sidelined with injuries. Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans are all unavailable. Marcus Rashford may also miss out due to uncertainty surrounding his future.
Diogo Dalot will be absent due to suspension after receiving a red card in the match against Arsenal. Therefore, Tyrell Malacia is likely to be deployed at left-back, while Noussair Mazraoui or Amad Diallo will cover the right flank. In attack, Joshua Zirkzee could be tested as a striker to replace Rasmus Højlund if needed.
Latest Southampton squad information
Southampton are bottom of the table and facing squad problems. Jack Stephens, Juan Larios, and Ross Stewart are all unavailable due to injury. However, Flynn Downes could return after missing the last three games.
Will Smallbone has recovered and is ready to play, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has also returned after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. This creates competition with Aaron Ramsdale for the starting spot. In attack, Tyler Dibling – a rising star – is likely to start alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Predicted starting 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 may continue to use the 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 manager 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 attacking opportunities from the flanks.
Given their current squad situation, Manchester United have the advantage of playing at home. However, Southampton also have promising young players like Tyler Dibling who could spring a surprise. This promises to be a challenging match for both teams.
Predicted score: Manchester United 3-1 Southampton.