Louis van Gaal’s resurgent Manchester United visit St Mary’s on Monday to take on a deflated Southampton side, who have come crashing down to earth after their incredible start to the season. 

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To gather an insight into the minds of the two sets of fans we asked members of the respective supporters’ clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

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Barny Read – Sport360 journalist and Southampton fan 

The Ronald Koeman revolution at Southampton has been brought down to earth in the past two matches. Defeats at home to Manchester City and away to Arsenal still see Saints in third but their credentials as serious title contenders were truly brought to light as nothing more than fantasy.

No doubt this talented side can challenge for a European place but they will not be fighting for top honours until they beat the teams above them. Two wins from 14 against the seven teams that finished higher than Southampton’s 8th last season has carried into this campaign, with losses at the hands of Liverpool and Tottenham added to those against City and the Gunners.

Not bad going for a side in turmoil just months ago but not good enough if they are to upset the established order in the league.

Against Manchester United, injuries are a concern for Koeman with Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork missing out and Toby Alderweireld likely to join them in the St Mary’s stands. It means Harrison Reed may get his first Premier League start and will force Saints into changing a back line and midfield that has been superb so far under the Dutchman.

At the other end, Graziano Pelle hasn’t scored in his last five, a worry considering how integral his goals were to Saints’ storming start to the campaign.

Prediction: Southampton 2-2 Man Utd  – United are also struggling with injuries and their back four looks budget. Having said that, they are potent at the other end of the field and this has score draw written all over it.

Saints player to watch: HARRISON READ  – The 19-year-old has been compared to United legend Paul Scholes and his ability on the ball and eye for a killer pass makes him one of the most exciting players in Saints’ lauded academy. If given a chance, he will be desperate to make an impression and, more importantly, he has the ability to.

United player to watch:  JUAN MATA – Having scored against Stoke in midweek, Mata will be determined to go from strength to strength and stake his claims for a regular starting berth. How Victor Wanyama deals with the diminutive Spaniard could prove pivotal.

Likely Saints XI:  Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand; Victor Wanyama; Steven Davis, Harrison Reed; Dusan Tadic, Shane Long; Graziano Pelle

Where to watch: Dubai Saints take in each and every game at Barasti Beach Bar at Dubai Marina, where you can expect a raucous crowd consisting of both sets of fans at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Ziad Al Jamman – Manchester United Supporters Club UAE

This is a big match between two teams who have had a massive overhaul in the summer transfer market, with players leaving and new names coming in.  Southampton have adjusted quicker however it will be interesting to see how their new players deal with the busy Christmas period. 

United have now won four straight games in the Premier League, though the constant flow of injuries is a concern; just as it seems we get a few players back, a few more are ruled out. This game could wel be decided by who has the least amount of injuries to key players….United have doubts over a few players of course and Southampton have concerns over Toby Alderweireld, Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork.

Against Stoke, United dug in and defended quite well with Chris Smalling proving that he may just have the quality to step up and be consistent.  Wayne Rooney should be back and it would be interesting to see if LVG goes with a front three of the Englishman, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie or decides to drop RVP after a few weeks of poor performances. 

Much of Southampton’s attacking play this season has been through the wings with Dusan Tadic and Nathaniel Clyne.  Keep them quiet and United have every chance of picking up the three points and climbing into third place. Saints have done well to get where they are but with recent results going against them, this is the perfect opportunity for United to get points on the board and go into the Christmas fixtures sitting comfortably in the top four.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Manchester United. Successive defeats to Arsenal and City have deflated Southampton. United will have too much quality.

Likely United XI: David De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Young; Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini, Mata; Falcao, Rooney

United player to watch: ANDER HERRERA – A delight to watch, Herrera always keeps the ball moving. His movement, passing and late runs into the box are reminiscent of the great Paul Scholes at times.

Saints player to watch: GRAZIANO PELLE – The name says it all really. Southampton’s main man this season, Pelle has been going through a slow spell recently but that can often be when forwards are at their most dangerous.

Where to watch:  The Dubai branch of the United UAE Supporters’ Club will be watching the game at our main venue at the Harvesters in the Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road. Some of us can also be found in Nara Shisha Café and Stars n Bars for our Abu Dhabi-based fans.