Points To Prove
Both teams come into the game under some pressure. Southampton are still searching for their first points of the season, while Manchester United arrive here off the back of two defeats.
No Let Off For Ten Hag
Many neutrals will be looking to see how Manchester United perform. There was a lot of talk going into the FA Cup final that it could have been Ten Hag’s last game. However, after his surprise win, the board decided to stick with him. Despite this, the early pressure has been applied early this season. In their last game, they could never lay a glove on Liverpool, and their squad still looks like it lacks structure and cohesion.
Martin Ball Not Working?
Something similar could be said about Russell Martin’s Southampton. He’s come under scrutiny with his playing style, which is keeping possession and playing out from the back. Though they’ve played well in patches, individual errors have cost them. Martin has admitted that he’s been struggling to find the right balance in his starting eleven, and he has been reliant on players that got the club promoted from the Championship last season.
Loyalty Or Quality?
Though it is still early days, the likes of Adam Armstrong, Will Smallbone, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis haven’t hit the ground running. The Saints, on the other hand, have bought in some good players like Aaron Ramsdale and Maxwell Cornet, so they’ve got options. Moreover, Martin said in his press conference that he will be making changes, so it will be interesting to see who he picks. Previously, when Martin made changes, they tended to pay off, so Southampton shouldn’t be underestimated in this game.
Dibling The Shining Light
One bright spark for Southampton has been the emergence of attacking midfielder Tyler Dibling. The 18-year-old has been used as an impact sub this season, but when he’s made a difference. He’s been linking the play well with direct forward passes, taking on defenders, and testing the goalkeeper. There have been murmurs that he could be given his first Premier League start. With with his confidence sky high, I can see him causing Manchester United problems. He’s currently 13/2 to score anytime, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he scored a goal.
When it comes to my final thoughts, I think this will be a close match. Manchester United have a lot of players on international duty, so they might be a bit rusty, and Ten Hag might not be able to field his strongest eleven. If Southampton get an early goal, then it could make things interesting, with the home crowd cheering them on. Overall, I think Southampton might just edge it at 7/2.
Southampton v Manchester United Selections
Southampton To Win (7/2)
Tyler Dibling To Score Anytime (13/2)