Southampton face Manchester United this weekend in a crucial early-season Premier League clash, with both teams desperate to turn their fortunes around.
Newly promoted Southampton have struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League, losing all three of their league games so far against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford. Russell Martin's side sit near the bottom of the table and are still chasing their first league win, despite an exciting 5-3 win against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United, meanwhile, come into the game nursing the wounds of a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to rivals Liverpool. After starting the season with a win over Fulham, back-to-back losses to Brighton and Liverpool have raised concerns at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag will be hoping the international break has allowed his players to regroup as they look to reignite their campaign with a win on the South Coast.
Both sides have plenty to prove, with Southampton eager to secure their first points of the season and United seeking a much-needed reset.
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Team News
For the Saints, summer signing Aaron Ramsdale is set to continue in net with Gavin Bazunu out until 2025 at least with a ruptured Achilles.
The Saints will also be without forward Kamaldeen Sulemana but Ben Brereton Diaz is available, despite an early substitution while on international duty with Chile.
Scotland striker Ross Stewart is closing on a return, after a lengthy absence due to injury, and could join the matchday squad, along with summer signings Maxwel Cornet and Ryan Fraser who are set to make their debuts.
Russell Martin will be hoping these additions can bolster his side as they search for their first points of the season.
Erik ten Hag faces several injury concerns ahead of Saturday's trip to Southampton.
Rasmus Højlund, who missed Denmark's international fixtures, remains a doubt and Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are still sidelined, leaving United thin at full-back. Both Mason Mount and Victor Lindelöf are also expected to remain sidelined.
In positive news, Bruno Fernandes should be fit despite a minor knock picked up while on international duty for Portugal.
Summer signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut after representing Uruguay during the international break. United fans are hopeful that the former PSG midfielder can invigorate the team’s midfield and provide a much-needed boost.
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Likely lineups
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Smallbone, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Armstrong, Brereton Diaz.
Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes; Rashford, Amad, Zirkzee
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Key Players
Southampton - Ben Brereton Diaz
Ben Brereton Díaz could be Southampton's pivotal player as they take on Manchester United this Saturday, given his impressive attacking qualities.
The Saints have faced difficulty in front of goal so far this season, having scored just once in their opening three fixtures. However, the Chilean international Ben Brereton Díaz offers a glimmer of hope with his speed, strength, and clinical finishing making him a constant threat in the final third.
As a proven finisher with a track record of clinical performances, he has the potential to turn Southampton’s fortunes around. If Brereton Díaz can rediscover his best form, his sharp goal-scoring instincts could be the catalyst needed to boost Martin’s side and help them find the back of the net more consistently.
Brereton Díaz showcased his top-level prowess while playing for Sheffield United in the Premier League last season, where he scored a respectable six goals in just 14 appearances, despite the Blades' struggles and eventual relegation.
The forward is no stranger to scoring against Erik ten Hag's side, having found the net in Sheffield United's 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford back in May. The forward will be eager to replicate this on Saturday and, with any luck, secure a more favourable result for his new club.
Against Southampton on Saturday, Bruno Fernandes is poised to be Manchester United's key player. As the team’s main creative force and captain, Fernandes brings a blend of exceptional vision, precise passing, and an innate goal-scoring ability, all of which are crucial for breaking down stubborn defences - something which United will need to be able to do on Saturday.
The Portuguese playmaker's proficiency in orchestrating play from midfield allows him to unlock defences with his incisive passes and creative playmaking. Furthermore, his capability to score from distance and convert set pieces adds another layer of threat to United's attacking arsenal.
His presence on the pitch often changes the dynamic of a game, and his ability to provide both goals and assists could be pivotal in overcoming Southampton’s defensive setup. With his knack for rising to the occasion, Fernandes' performance could very well step up and be the difference-maker in securing a much-needed victory for United.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will be played at St Mary's Stadium, which has a capacity of 32,384.
What time is kick off?
Kick-off on the South Coast is at 12:30 pm BST on Saturday 14th September.
How can I watch?
The game will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports.
