Southampton v Manchester United Betting Tips: Mourinho’s men to win with ease

These two teams are in rather contrasting form at the moment with Manchester United having won their last three whilst Southampton have picked up just one win in their last four.

Southampton finally picked up their first win since 19^th August last time out as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0. However, despite their aforementioned poor run of form, they are still in the top half of the table with a total of eight points after five games.

That goal against lowly Crystal Palace was the Saints’ first goal in three matches and so it is no surprise that they are the joint-lowest scorers in the top half of the table with just four goals to their name. Having said that, they have a tradition of being excellent at the back and, in this 2017/18 season, they have conceded just four league goals – fewer than Chelsea in third place who have let in five. This excellent defensive record has even come without the reassuring presence of wantaway defender Virgil Van Dijk.

New manager Mauricio Pellegrino has been unable to repair his side’s poor recent home record with Southampton losing their last two competitive outings at St. Mary’s. This means that Southampton have now won just one of their last eight Premier League home games – stretching back to last season.

Manchester United secured their place in the next round of the League Cup with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Burton Albion on Wednesday evening – meaning they have now won their last three on the spin in all competitions whilst they are still yet to lose a competitive match this season.

Jose Mourinho has often been labelled as a defensive manager, however, he has seen his side play some brilliant attacking football this campaign and they are currently the joint-highest scorers in the Premier League with 16 goals. Additionally, they have found the back of the net over 1.5 times in every single competitive match this season. Fortunately for United, this attacking verve has not distracted them from their defensive duties and they have kept a clean sheet in all but one of their Premier League matches so far this campaign.

The Red Devils’ Premier League away form has not been great in recent months with just one win in their last six outings. However, with them only securing a draw in their last away match, they will be keen to rectify that here.

Manchester United are obviously the favourites here and I think backing them is the most sensible option. However, with there being no value on a simple ‘Win’ bet, I would go with Manchester United to Win to Nil at 47/25. United’s strength at the back along with Southampton’s lack of potency up front means this is a likely outcome.