Manchester United vs Southampton Prediction: United to claim valuable win

With both teams looking to build on positive FA Cup results last weekend, Manchester United and Southampton will lock horns at Old Trafford on Thursday evening (20:00, live on TNT Sports 1).

United appear to be heading in the right direction under Ruben Amorim after securing a well-earned draw at Anfield in their most recent league outing, before beating Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Saints suffered a 5-0 thumping in their last Premier League game leaving them 10 points from safety, but they secured a much-needed win over Swansea City on Sunday to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round. Read on for my Manchester United vs Southampton prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof all remain sidelined for the hosts, while Marcus Rashford's availability is unclear as his future at the club remains uncertain.

Diogo Dalot was sent off for two bookable offences against Arsenal at the weekend and will subsequently serve a one-match suspension here, and Amad Diallo could return to the starting XI after carrying a knock into the cup tie.

As for Southampton, Flynn Downes could return from a thigh problem but Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart are absentees. Will Smallbone made a welcome return from injury against Swansea and is in contention to feature here, while Matheus Fernandes is available to return after serving a one-match ban in Southampton's last match.

Manchester United vs Southampton Odds

United are 2/7 to claim all three points, giving them an implied win probability of 77.8%, with the draw a 5/1 shot and a Southampton win is priced up at 10/1.

Rasmus Hojlund leads the anytime goalscorer market at 1/1, while Paul Onuachu is shortest-priced for the visitors at 7/2.

Manchester United to win and both teams to score - yes @ 7/4

United have failed to win any of their last six matches in 90 minutes under Amorim, but there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks, mainly evidenced by a fine display at Anfield a fortnight ago, as well as resilient performance to beat Arsenal on penalties at the Emirates on Sunday.

Those results should have boosted United's confidence ahead of this home clash with rock-bottom Southampton, and Thursday’s hosts also have an impressive record when facing the Saints - they are unbeaten in the last 16 meetings between the two sides.

Similar to Amorim's men, Southampton also enjoyed cup success at the weekend, with a 3-0 triumph over Championship outfit Swansea. That result also snapped an 11-match winless run across all competitions for the Saints, but they remain glued to the bottom of the table with just one league success to their name all season.

United did beat the Saints 3-0 in the reverse fixture between the sides earlier this term, but I think another clean sheet will elude them here, as this United team aren't renowned for keeping teams out.

The Red Devils have conceded in each of their last 10 games, so a Saints goal seems likely, but I'm expecting a United win come the final whistle.

Kobbie Mainoo to be carded @ 100/30

United rank highly on the card charts with 49 received so far this term.

One of the serial offenders is the young, talented midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has picked up five bookings in 12 starts for the Red Devils so far this season - only Lisandro Martinez has received more yellow cards in the United camp.

The Saints are the fourth-most fouled side in the division, and Mainoo was cautioned in the reverse fixture back in August, and I think he looks a decent price to find his way into the referee's notebook again here.

Offers

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Place a pre-match single bet on the first goalscorer market and get DOUBLE or TREBLE the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd.

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.