Will Robin van Persie continue his scoring streak against Southampton? Can Graziano Pelle exploit Manchester United’s leaky defence? UAE-based supporters of both clubs preview Sunday’s Premier League game at Old Trafford. 

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Ziad Al Jamaan, Manchester United Supporters Club UAE

Remarkably, for what feels like the first time in an age, United have an almost injury free squad to choose from ahead of their match against Southampton. Ashley Young is, at the time of writing, the only confirmed absentee. Sir Alex Ferguson recently said that once Louis van Gaal has his players fighting fit, that United can really push on – I have to agree.

The Red Devils’ recent away results have been a bit disappointing so it will be a relief to be back at Old Trafford, where United are unbeaten in the last nine home games – winning each of the past five. Victory at St Mary’s was a major result for United and it came in the middle of a dire run for Southampton, but Ronald Koeman’s side look to have hit form again – picking up valuable points in recent weeks against some big teams. The Dutchman has Saints ticking along nicely but hopefully United will have too much in attack for them on Sunday. 

Angel Di Maria made a goalscoring return in the FA Cup victory at Yeovil and his pace and trickery will be a welcome sight again along with the continuing partnership between Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney.  Sadio Mane is out of the game, which is a major blow for Southampton. He has proved important for the Saints so it will be up to Graziano Pelle to get the goals that Saints need. With United sitting one point clear of Southampton, it is a good chance for Van Gaal’s men to tighten their grip on 3rd place.

PREDICTION: 3-1 to United and some much-needed space to breathe.

MAN UTD PLAYER TO WATCH: Robin van Persie – Just always seems to score against the Saints; his form has been patch this season but seven goals in seven games versus Southampton speaks for itself.

SAINTS PLAYER TO WATCH: Graziano Pelle – United’s defence has been questionable all season and the Italy international should rightly fancy his chances of adding to his goal tally at Old Trafford.

LIKELY MAN UTD XI: De Gea; Jones Smalling Evans; Valencia Shaw Carrick Herrara; Di Maria Rooney Van Persie

WHERE TO WATCH: Our local supporters’ club will be watching the game at our main venue at Dubai Harvesters in 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.

Philip Hughes, Dubai Saints

 

In the previous meeting between the two sides this season, United won 2-1 at St Mary’s in December. Pundits say the Red Devils’ class saw them through but if you ask Saints fans, they’ll tell you the team were naive in a game that should have been won easily.

Saints had tough matches in December and a poor run of form, brought on by injuries & suspensions that tore the heart out of the team’s engine room. The loss of players and form forced Ronald Koeman to change formation, from 4-3-2-1 to variations around 3-2-3-1-1 or 5-3-2. Sadio Mane played more centrally and scored three in consecutive matches but is now out injured for at least two weeks. New Dutch signing Eljero Elia might feature if he’s fit but unfortunately Maya Yoshida is now away with Japan at the Asian Cup.

The omens are admittedly not great for the Saints, with the last victory at Old Trafford coming when you were only allowed two substitutes and Alan Shearer was 22! Still, here’s hoping…

PREDICTION:  2-2 – a result that Saints will be ecstatic with!

SAINTS PLAYER TO WATCH: Victor ‘Twinkletoes’ Wanyama. An absolute beast of a defensive midfielder, Wanyama’s his distribution has also improved immensely this season. A real fans’ favourite.

UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH: Angel Di Maria. The Argentine started his United career superbly before sustaining injury and in a side galvanised by a fine run of form, his class will be a real threat. Saints have to hope he’s not 100% and Wanyama and Schneiderlin keep him on a tight leash.

LIKELY SAINTS XI: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Aderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, Schneiderlin; Tadic, Davis; Long; Pelle

WHERE TO WATCH: Barasti is the home of the Dubai Saints. We watch the games inside the main bar with tables reserved for us every game.

Find us on Facebook – Dubai Saints or on Twitter @dubaisaints