Monday Night Football will not only present the first double Dutch clash in the Premier League between Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman, made more intense due to the pairs bitter rivalry since 2004, it also brings a top four clash between over-achievers Southampton and visiting side Manchester United.
The Saints have suffered back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal after a bright start to a season they were expected to fall in to a relegation battle. In stark contrast, Manchester United have won their last four games including their first victory away from home to Arsenal.
Both sides have been hit by big name injuries in recent weeks but while many could return for the Red Devils on Monday night, the Saints’ physios will be busier than ever with 6 injuries and one doubt for the final game of Gameweek 14.
Southampton
Dusan Tadic is believed to have overcome a knock to his foot but remains a small doubt for Koeman in a match Southampton must not lose to remain in 3rd place.
Sam Gallagher will return on December 13th from a knee injury but for Monday’s clash he will not be available. James Ward-Prowse will return a week after Gallagher from a foot injury but as well as Morgan Schneiderlin and Toby Alderweireld with muscle injuries he is unavailable.
Jay Rodriguez will not play until 2015 as well as Jack Cork, who after a brilliant run of games for the Saints damaged his ankle ligament and will be out for at least 6 weeks.
FORM – WWWDLL
Discipline – 19 Yellow Cards, 0 Red Cards
Top Scorer – Graziano Pelle (6)
Predicted line-up: (4-1-2-2-1) Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand; Wanyama; David, Reed; Long, Mane; Pelle.
Manchester United
Rafael Da Silva and Phil Jones recently returned to training but are unlikely to feature having not played since their return.
Radamel Falcao came off the bench last weekend against Hull City but Louis van Gaal may prefer to stick with Robin van Persie and James Wilson, both whom have played well in the last two games.
Jonny Evans played for the U21 side against Southampton U21s last Monday so is available and match fit after being out for the last few weeks.
Jesse Lingard is still on the sidelines with a knee injury picked up months ago while Luke Shaw is set to return some time this month but will not come back from his ankle injury for this game. Angel Di Maria who is currently suffering from a hamstring injury which forced him off against Hull at the end of November is expected to return some time this month but will not play a part on Monday.
Wayne Rooney returns in more positive news for the Reds after missing Tuesday’s nights game at home to Stoke. The United Captain suffered a knock versus Hull after scoring and although he was not forced off during the game had to rested for the mid-week encounter.
Daley Blind, like Jay Rodriguez, will not feature until 2015 after he suffered a knee ligament strain on international duty for the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago.
FORM – DLWWWW
Discipline – 26 Yellow Cards, 3 Red Cards
Top Scorer – Wayne Rooney (5)
Predicted line-up: (4-1-2-1-2) De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Young; Carrick; Fellaini, Herrera; Rooney; van Persie, Wilson.
Referee – Kevin Friend (4.7 cards per game)
MATCH STATS – via Opta
- Southampton have scored the first goal in four of their last five PL meetings with Man Utd but lost three and won none of those four matches.
- Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in five Premier League starts against Southampton.
- Manchester United have won nine and lost just one of the last 12 Premier League games against Saints.
- Robin van Persie has scored five goals in six Barclays Premier League games against Southampton.
- This will be the first Premier League game to be contested by two Dutch managers.
- Just six of Manchester United’s 25 points so far this season have been claimed away from Old Trafford (W1 D3 L2).
- Of all teams to have played more than twice in December. Manchester United are the only team in Premier League history to average more than two points per game in the month (2.19).
- Southampton have started the fewest spread of players this season in the Premier League (15), while Man Utd have handed starts to more than any other team (26).
- Manchester United have used a league-high 31 players this season and David de Gea is the only Red Devil to play in all 14 games.
- Nathaniel Clyne has made more tackles than any other Premier League player this season (63).
Harry Robinson
Manchester United Editor at FansCorner and VAVEL UK.
U7's coach at AFC Southgate.
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