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Manchester United are going through an inconsistent phase this season, to say the least. The team is at the mid-table position with its title rivals all in the top five positions.
This Saturday United go to the St. Mary's Stadium on the back of some disappointing results in the Premier League. A demoralizing 3-1 defeat to Manchester City preceded a much-needed international break.
It was expected that they would rebuild and come out stronger against a feeble Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. But there was more disappointment in store as United showed the same lackluster style of football in a goalless draw. Jose Mourinho made a few changes to his squad by bringing in Romelu Lukaku, but even that did not bear fruit offensively.
Southampton will be a very difficult ground for United to get a good result in given their level of play this season. Until January, Mourinho has to work with the players at his disposal, and he doesn't seem too happy about that.
Here is how United would be expected to line up against Southampton:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
There is no question that De Gea will continue being first choice as long as he is injury free. He showed his class once again in the midweek Champions League clash against Young Boys when he made one of the saves of the season.
United recently activated the option of a one year extension to De Gea's contract. This should come as good news to United supporters, who are desperate to see him stay longer at Old Trafford. After all, he has been their best player in the last four seasons.
United's defence has been shaky this season, leading to De Gea conceding in 11 of 13 Premier League matches. He will be expected to be at his best once again if United underperform, as has been seen so often this season.
Defense
Centrebacks: Chris Smalling and Phil Jones
United currently face a crisis in defense. Victor Lindelof, who has been a hard worker this season, is out injured for a while. Marcos Rojo is also on the recovery path and has not featured this season.
The only notable central defenders available to Mourinho are Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.
Bailly was expected to start against Young Boys but was benched in that match. His differences with Mourinho may be part of the reason why the fringe Jones will again get the nod to partner Smalling at the heart of defense.
Full backs
Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia
United skipper Antonio Valencia is back in the fold and will likely start in the line up. Veteran Ashley Young is likely to be rested so that Valencia can get more playing time.
Luke Shaw missed the Palace game after serving out a one match suspension. He will start at left back with Valencia on the right back position.
Valencia had been out for a while after undergoing surgery. There was tension for a while after Valencia accidentally liked an Instagram post that advocated for Mourinho's sacking, but that seems to have calmed down for now.
Midfielders
Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Fellaini
Mourinho has consistently played three in midfield this season, and he is unlikely to change that at least until January.
Southampton's players are very physical, so Mourinho will want to counter that with his own set of giants. This is likely to destabilize the creative aspect of Manchester United, but that will not bother the Portuguese in any manner.
Pobga only played 25 minutes against Young Boys, so he should be fit. He is a game changer and on a good day, he can dictate the play.
Matic on the other hand needs a rest but Mourinho is unlikely to allow him that as he needs his team to regain momentum. The Serb is one of Mourinho's favourite players, and plays according to the manager's script.
Fellaini scored the winning goal in the Champions League and is a typical Mourinho kind of player. His aerial prowess and ball retention capability will be crucial in hostile territory.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard
Despite under-achieving lately, Lukaku may be given the nod because of his physique and movement. United will likely play route one football with a target man up front, and Lukaku fits the bill for that style of play. His lack of goals will not deter Mourinho from playing him.
Martial has cooled down a bit in the last few games. He will start in his preferred left wing position; that is an area of the pitch that he thrives in, especially when running out at defenders. Martial could be the main attacking threat for United and he has shown good form in his away games.
Lingard was promising in the first half against Crystal Palace, and looked the most dangerous player on the pitch. Given that Mourinho likes using substitutes as a strategy to change games, he is likely to start Lingard because of his pace and movement.
It goes without saying that United will have to be at their best in order to beat the Saints.
