Manchester United vs Southampton – EFL Cup – Preview

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Sreya

Manchester United vs Southampton – Manchester United face Southampton at the New Wembley on 26th February, Sunday in the finals of the League Cup.

Manchester United defeated Northampton Town, Manchester City and West Ham United to set up a date with Hull City in the semi-finals where they took a 2-0 lead in the first leg and progressed to the finals in spite of their 2-1 loss to Hull in the second leg.

Southampton are unbeaten in the League Cup so far this season, getting past the likes of Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Arsenal and Liverpool to make it to the finals. They were impressive against Jurgen Klopp’s side in both the legs of the semi-finals when they won by 1-0 scorelines.

Team News

Henrikh Mkhitaryan misses out after he picked up an injury during their UEFA Europa League game but Paul Pogba will face a late fitness test. Southampton have a lengthy list of absentees and will be without Charlie Austin, Alex McCarthy, Matt Targett, Jeremy Pied, Virgil van Dijk, Jake Hesketh, Martin Caceres and Sofiane Boufal.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup: David de Gea, Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Southampton Possible Starting Lineup: Fraser Forster, Cedric Soares, Maya Yoshida, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand, Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond, Manolo Gabbiadini.

“I know the last time Southampton won a cup was in 1976 against Manchester United. It’s a long time and it will be fantastic to take a good result. I think it’s important and I can understand all the good atmosphere around the team and the fans, but it’s important for us to keep focused and with a good concentration about the game and not what happens after the game.”

– Claude Puel, Southampton.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Manchester United vs Southampton H2H Stats, Manchester United have won three and lost two of their previous five matches against Southampton in all competitions.

It should be a closely contested affair but Manchester United are likely to win 3-1 tonight.