Manchester United vs Southampton
English Premier League
Date: Sunday, 26th February 2017
Kick off at 16:30 UK / 17:30 CET
Venue: Wembley Stadium (London).
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are coming into the League Cup final in good spirits after picking up their 5th straight win on the mid-week. The form, player performances and morale is looking good. But fatigue could become an issue as the Red Devils were already involved in 4 matches inside 15 days.
The major blow for united will be absence of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is ruled out of the final due to an injury. But captain Wayne Rooney could be fit and available to start. He scored in the 2010 final against Aston Villa, the last time United won this trophy.
Southampton are well rested ahead of the final as their last match was on 11th February against Sunderland. They won 4-0 in the trip to the Stadium of Light, ending a terrible three match losing streak.
The Saints have been pretty inconsistent through out the season. Their problem is the inability to perform at a consistent level throughout the entire 90 minutes of a match.
Manchester United vs Southampton: Head-to-head
It is pretty even when we look at the recent meetings between the two sides. United won in 3 of the last 5, while Southampton bagged two wins, both coming in their visits to the Old Trafford.
Their last four ties in cup matches were all won in convincing fashion by the Red Devils.
However, it was a historic day for Southampton when they faced United in the 1976 FA Cup final. Bobby Stokes scored the lone goal in the 83rd minute to stun the Red Devils and earn the Saints their first ever major trophy.
Manchester United vs Southampton: Prediction
Manchester United are tipped as strong favourites to clinch the FA Cup 2017 with most of their players in top form. Jose Mourinho is a man made for such occasions and have already won this trophy twice with Chelsea.
But the only problem for the Red Devils is the player fitness as this will be their 5th match in 15 days. Southampton got the better of Liverpool under similar circumstances earlier this year. And therefore, we cannot rule their chances out from this fixture.
So, one must expect a cagey affair despite United coming on the back of an excellent run and Southampton on an inconsistent run. It will be one goal that separates the two team at the end or even finish in a 0-0 draw. The best option is under 2.5 goals, while brave punters can go for a first-half draw.
Manchester United vs Southampton: Bet Tips
Under 2.5 goals at 90 minutes – Odds 2/3 (1.67)
Draw at First Half – Odds 11/10 (2.10).
