English Premier League: Zikrzee is the mainstay, this is the predicted MU line-up at Southampton's home ground
Manchester United (MU) is predicted to rely on Joshua Zirkzee as its front line in the fourth week of the Premier League match at Southampton's home ground, Saturday (14/9/2024) at 17.00 IST.
In the match at St Mary's Stadium, MU coach Erik ten Hag is expected to place the Dutch striker early as a lone striker. Zirkree will be supported by the trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will duet in midfield, while the back line will be entrusted to Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Diolo Dalot. The goalkeeper position remains entrusted to Andre Onana.
In the home camp, coach Russell Martin is expected to use a 3-4-3 formation. He will field a front three of Adam Armstrong, Cameron Archer, and Ben Brereton. They will be supported by a midfield consisting of Yukinari Sugawara, Flynn Downes, Matheus Fernandes, and Kyle Walker-Peters.
The defense line will be entrusted to Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens. The goalkeeper position will be entrusted to former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Southampton will be without Gavin Bazunu who is out with an Achilles injury until early 2025. Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ross Stewart are both back in training.
Meanwhile, for the visitors, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro are all out. Bruno Fernandes is a doubt after picking up an injury on international duty. Manuel Ugarte could make his first start for the club here, replacing Casemiro.
Southampton's players are back from the international break still looking for their first league win of the season. The Saints scored their first league goal of the campaign in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford last time out.
Visiting Manchester United suffered back-to-back defeats before the break. They were beaten 0-3 by Liverpool at Old Trafford two weeks ago. Three of the last four meetings between the two teams have ended in draws. However, United are still favourites to win this match.
Man United vs Southampton Predicted line-ups:
Southampton (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens
Midfielders: Yukinari Sugawara, Flynn Downes, Matheus Fernandes, Kyle Walker-Peters
Forwards: Adam Armstrong, Cameron Archer, Ben Brereton
Coach: Russell Martin
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot
Midfield: Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
Forwards: Joshua Zirkzee
Coach: Erik ten Hag
