Ahead of Chelsea’s home clash with Sunderland, each team’s UAE Supporters Clubs preview the game for Sport360, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
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Omar Othman, MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
After a big result last week which saw United win for the fourth consecutive time in the league against Liverpool, the home team will aim to build on the confidence boost obtained from that match.
Despite much criticism from both press and fans, many of who question the philosophy of LVG, there have been positive signs over the past few weeks with clear signs of change. Players seem less static and have more freedom of movement for example. There is more urgency, increased shots from outside the area and more scoring chances in general.
Another positive is that Wayne Rooney has scored four goals in as many games and is looking more like the Rooney of old. There is still concern that United have ended the first half at Old Trafford 0-0 in their last nine games, but hopefully that won’t be the case against Southampton.
On the injury front Ashley Young will face a long spell on the sidelines, joining Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia, and Luke Shaw on a worryingly long injury list.
If United are going to have any hope of challenging for the title this season nothing less than three points will do.
Match fast facts
- Southampton won at Old Trafford last season for the first time since 1988.
- Manchester United have not kept a clean sheet in any of the last eight league meetings.
- Wayne Rooney is looking to score in five successive games in all competitions for the first time since March 2010.
- The Saints have scored an unrivalled 13 Premier League goals from crosses this season.
PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-0 Southampton.
LIKELY MAN U XI: Dea Gea, Borthwick-Jackson, Smalling, Blind, Darmian. Schneiderlin, Herrera, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Rooney.
MAN U PLAYER TO WATCH: Rooney. He has been on the receiving end of much criticism for his lack of form, but now that they have started to flow nicely and long may it continue!
SOUTHAMPTON PLAYER TO FEAR: Shane Long. The Irishman is a threat on the counter-attack, while Charlie Austin can also cause problems.
FAVOURITE MAN U-SOUTHAMPTON MEMORY: The stand out memory is the 15 second goal by United’s now assistant manager Ryan Giggs in 1995.
WHERE TO WATCH: MUSC UAE members have three locations to choose from which they can call home. In Dubai matches are shown at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza and Yamo Café & Restaurant, Sidra Tower (Near Media City). As for Abu Dhabi, the matches are shown at Coopers Bar in the Park Rotana.
TWITTER: MUSC_UAE
FACEBOOK: Manchester United Supporters Club – UAE
Phil Hugues, DUBAI SAINTS