Southampton vs Manchester United prediction: How will Premier League clash play out?
Jannik Vestergaard scored his first goal in English football to earn 10-man Southampton a point against Manchester United.
United took the lead early in the first-half when summer signing Daniel James lashed home his third goal in just four games.
But Southampton fought back in the second-half and levelled the score when Vestergaard rose above Victor Lindelof to head home. Kevin Danso was then shown a second yellow card for the home team, but they held out for a valuable point. Relive the action below:
Manchester United are looking to bounce back after conceding a late goal to lose to Crystal Palace 2-1 last week.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the key to improving his side lies in improving it's defence, he said:
"Clean sheets are always the foundation to build on and we started really well against Chelsea, but we know the two [goals conceded] against Palace should have been avoided.
"We hope to go down there [to Southampton] and look stronger at the back."
For Southampton, Man Utd pose a tremendous challenge. After defeats to Burnley and Liverpool at the start of the season, their form has seen an improvement with victories over Brighton and Fulham (in the EFL Cup).
But, the Saints haven't beaten Man Utd at St. Mary's in their last eight attempts, they've managed three draws and five losses.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl on his sides chances today:
"We are gaining more confidence after the last two games. We have kept two clean sheets [in all competitions] and even if we have a few injuries now, we have good subs who are looking forward to playing.
"It's up to me to find the right balance and I am sure we have a squad who on the pitch can create problems. I think with Manchester United you always have pressure. I expect their best possible team to play against us."
The news around Old Trafford this week has been about the departures of Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling to Italy.
As well as his insights on today's game Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been speaking about the moves, he said:
"I must say I have watched Southampton a few times and I like the way they are set up. They are aggressive and put you on the back foot.
"Jesse Lingard - well, Juan Mata is in his position today. He has been champing at the bit. Jesse has done well this season.
"We have seen a few players go to Italy this week, it was the right decision for the boys and for us, Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling needed to play and Matteo Darmian has been looking to go back for a while."
The players are out on the pitch for the warm ups and the ground is slowly starting to fill, today's Premier League action gets started in just over 15 minutes...
Kick off: Saints start the match, they boot the ball long and Lindelof clears with a strong header. Romeu collects the ball and passes it back to the defence. Southampton then attack from the right wing before Ashley Young guides the ball out of play.
3 mins: Pogba loses the ball in mid-field and it comes out to Danso on the left. He runs down the wing and sends a low ball into the box, Lindelof is there the kick the ball away again. Pogba collects and wins a free kick in United's half.
6 mins: James gets into the box from the left and flicks it into the middle for Rashford to run on to. Vestergaard sees the danger and makes a great well-timed tackle to deny United's no. 10 a shot on goal.
Danso and Boufal combine sharply on the left as the Saints push forward again. Wan-Bissaka's sliding tackle is enough to stop the attack.
9 mins: CLOSE! Adams collects the ball in mid-field and slots it into Boufal. Boufal takes the ball to the edge of the box and strikes one low, aiming for the far post but it goes wide!
McTominay gives James the ball and he brings it into the box from the left hand side. Southampton drop off him and give him space, he puts the ball onto his right foot and blasts it into the top corner.
12 mins: De Gea boots the ball long, Pogba wins the header and gets the ball to Mata. Mata, passes to James who once again cuts in from the left, he shoots but doesn't get good contact and Gunn makes the save.
15 mins: United have grown in confidence since the goal, Pogba's been staying deep to get more time on the ball and he works it out to the left for Ashley Young to run on to. Young takes it forward and gives it to James, James tries to send a cross into the box and wins a throw in as Cedric defends it.
18 mins: Boufal fouls Rashford after losing the ball. Man Utd work it from the right to the left and then back again. Mata sends it across the box. No-one meets it but McTominay collects and sends it back in, Wan-Bissaka gets on the end of it and boots it over the bar.
BT Sport 1 will be broadcasting the action from midday.
Can I stream the game online?
With a BT Sport subscription you can stream the match from your phone or tablet with the BT Sport App.
What is your prediction?
Southampton have enjoyed a positive week: winning away at both Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively.
Manchester United are a totally different proposition of course, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does have two big injuries to contend with. So we’re boldly predicting a 2-2 draw.
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