Manchester United will look to build on their recent win away to Sunderland when they welcome 4th placed Southampton to Old Trafford this Saturday. Can a rejuvenated Wayne Rooney inspire a much needed home victory?
Match Preview
United return to Premier League action this weekend with the league table looking somewhat unfamiliar for mid-October. Southampton have enjoyed a strong start to the season and come to Old Trafford on the back of three wins, the most notable being an away win and clean sheet against Liverpool towards the end of September. They boast an enviable defensive record, having only conceded two goals in the first seven league games and none since August. Contrast this to Uniteds fragile defensive showing this season (only four teams have conceded more goals) and it is easy to understand why the Saints currently sit in the top four as United languish in mid table. An extended international break would lead many to think that Moyes will be forced to rotate his squad for this fixture. However, Uniteds attacking players turned in confidence-boosting performances for their respective countries, with Rooney, Van Persie and Nani all grabbing goals over the international period. Moyes will surely be tempted to start all three in the hope that they can reproduce similar form for the club.
Key Stats
In the last 10 meetings between the clubs United have emerged victorious on 9 occasions. The Red Devils came from behind to win this fixture home and away last season with Van Persie grabbing a memorable hat trick at St Mary's in September. England striker Rickie Lambert leads Southampton's league scoring charts with two goals this term. Rooney and Van Persie top United's with three apiece. (BBC)
Likely Line-Ups
Man Utd De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Januzaj, Nani, Rooney, Van Persie Southampton Boruc, Clyne, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw, Schneiderlin, Lallana, Wanyama, Osvaldo, Rodriguez. Lambert
