{"id":557698,"date":"2020-07-13T00:00:09","date_gmt":"2020-07-13T04:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=557698"},"modified":"2020-07-12T03:13:41","modified_gmt":"2020-07-12T07:13:41","slug":"manchester-united-look-to-take-advantage-in-top-four-race-versus-southampton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/07\/13\/manchester-united-look-to-take-advantage-in-top-four-race-versus-southampton\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester United Look to Take Advantage in Top Four Race Versus Southampton"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United<\/a> host Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton<\/a> at Old Trafford on Monday night. Both teams come into this game on a strong run of form.<\/p>\n

Manchester United are unbeaten in 17 games and have won a record four consecutive Premier League<\/a> games by three, or more, goals. A record they set as they coasted past Aston Villa<\/a> at Villa Park on Thursday night<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Whilst only Arsenal<\/a> have managed to beat Southampton since football returned, with the Saints denied Manchester City<\/a> one week ago.<\/p>\n

Manchester United Look to Take Advantage in Top Four Race Versus Southampton<\/h2>\n

Champions League Spot up For Grabs<\/h3>\n

The hosts sit fifth in the Premier League table, on the cusp of the top four. Chelsea<\/a> were thrashed by Sheffield United<\/a> at Bramall Lane on Saturday<\/a>, handing Manchester United a window to secure their place in the Champions League<\/a> spots.<\/p>\n

The visitors are 12th in the league and have little but pride to play for. Premier League safety is secure and they’re just short of having any hope of sneaking into a European place.<\/p>\n

Despite the win over Manchester City at St Mary’s, Southampton have picked up most of their points on the road and may relish the trip to Old Trafford.<\/p>\n

Though Manchester United are currently thriving<\/a>, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes<\/a>, Paul Pogba<\/a>, Anthony Martial<\/a>, Marcus Rashford<\/a> and Mason Greenwood<\/a> in exuberant form.<\/p>\n

Manchester United have gone under the radar with their defensive record. Only Liverpool<\/a> and Leicester City<\/a> (at the time of writing) have conceded fewer goals in the league this season. Much praise is owed to Nemanja Matic<\/a> recently, who provides freedom for the forward players to go and do their thing.<\/p>\n

Southampton are lifted by Danny Ings<\/a>‘ incredible numbers this season. He has scored 19 Premier League goals in the 2019\/20 campaign. Putting him just one goal away from joining Matt Le Tissier and James Beattie as the only players to do so for Southampton. There would few better places to reach that landmark than Old Trafford, away.<\/p>\n

Manchester United Unbeaten in Eight Versus Saints<\/h3>\n

Manchester United are in good form over Southampton, winning two and drawing four of their last six encounters. The hosts are unbeaten in eight against Southampton. The Saints’ last win over today’s opponents came at Old Trafford in January 2016 – a 1-0 win.<\/p>\n

Southampton also won at the Theatre of Dreams almost exactly one year earlier, by the same scoreline.<\/p>\n

10-man Southampton held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s earlier this season. Daniel James<\/a> opened the scoring in that game, but may have lost his place in the side to Mason Greenwood.<\/p>\n

Saints Hope For Vestergaard Return<\/h3>\n

Manchester United have no further injuries to report, with only Phil Jones<\/a> and Axel Tuanzebe<\/a> unavailable for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.<\/p>\n

Southampton are likely to be without Moussa Djenepo<\/a>, Sofiane Boufal<\/a> and Yan Valery<\/a> for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n

The Saints will be hoping for the return of Jannik Vestergaard<\/a>. The Danish defender is hoping to recover from a thigh injury ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Vestergaard scored Southampton’s equaliser in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s.<\/p>\n

Manchester United to Continue Their Winning Form<\/h3>\n

This will be a good test for both sides. Ralph Hasenhuttl is looking forward to seeing his side against the ‘lions’<\/a> that are Manchester United.<\/p>\n

Manchester United are full of confidence right now and looking at their fixtures, it is difficult to see anyone stopping them in this mood.<\/p>\n

Southampton will leave Old Trafford proud of their performance, but without any points.<\/p>\n

Manchester United’s attacking players look too good to just drop the bit now. They will continue winning here. Martial, Greenwood and Rashford will all be looking to get on the scoresheet.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Manchester<\/strong> United 3-1 Southampton<\/strong><\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a>