EPL Matchweek 4 kicks off with Manchester United going on the road to St Mary’s Stadium to take on Southampton on Saturday, Aug. 27.
After a nightmare start to the Erik ten Hag era in Manchester, the Red Devils had a statement victory with a 2-1 win over Liverpool. After an early goal from Jadon Sancho, United held a 2-0 lead until Liverpool scored in the 81st minute to cut it in half.
Southampton also got their first win of the season with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Leicester City. After the Foxes opened the scoring in the 54th minute, Ché Adams scored two goals to get the Saints three points on the road.
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These two teams drew in their two meetings last season, where the score was 1-1 in both matches. Can Manchester United carry the momentum from their first win of the season? Or will Southampton play spoiler at home?
Let’s take a look at current betting odds and get some best bets and predictions for this match taking place on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Gio Annatelli’s EPL betting record: 5-7, -0.57 units
Southampton vs Manchester United Odds
- 3-Way Handicap: Southampton (+320) | Manchester United (-130) | Draw (+290)
- Draw No Bet: Southampton (+210) / Manchester United (-300)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-165) / Under 2.5 (+120)
Southampton vs Manchester United odds are current as of Tuesday, Aug. 23, from BetMGM Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted.
Manchester United have left St Mary’s Stadium scoring a point in the last five matches there, and are 3-2-0 overall in their previous five against Southampton.
This is the first time since Matchweek 1 that Man United are favored with minus-odds at (-130). They were the plus-odds favorites against Brentford and underdogs against Liverpool.
Southampton vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Manchester United must maintain intensity of Liverpool match
The team that beat Liverpool was not the same team that lost the previous two matches. There was a different energy in Old Trafford, as Manchester United brought a new level of intensity to the game. They'll need to keep that energy if they want to turn their season around before it gets out of hand.
Even though Liverpool controlled the possessions 70-30, United players were flying all over the field, making the Reds' attack as difficult as possible. The backline of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martínez, Raphaël Varane, and Diogo Dalot made things difficult for Mohamed Salah and company. The energy translated across the pitch, with players feeling more confident.
Manchester United dropped captain Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luke Shaw, and Fred, and the changes paid off as ten Hag’s squad walked away with the victory.
Southampton need to play a full 90 minutes
With the newfound energy from Manchester United, Southampton will need to play a complete match if they want to win at home. Even in their draw against Leeds United and victory over Leicester, the Saints have yet to play 100% from start to finish.
Southampton jumped out to an early 1-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur but lost 4-1, including allowing an own goal. The Saints fell behind by two against Leeds but finished the match in a draw. And against Leicester, they had to come back from a 1-0 deficit.
They’ll be in front of their home crowd, so the energy will be in their favor. Southampton will need to bring it in both halves, as the Red Devils just found their footing.
Both teams should run the same lineup
In their victories, ten Hag and Ralph Hasenhüttl made necessary changes to their lineups, ultimately leading to both teams getting three points. And both managers should stick with what's hot.
Manchester United ran a 4-2-3-1 line-up in back-to-back matches, but four of the mainstays were dropped and watched their squad win from the bench, aside from some late subs from Ronaldo and Fred.
Southampton has run three different formations this season, the most recent being a 4-2-3-1. In their three matches, Adams has only played in the previous two, with him coming in as a substitute in the 59th minute against Leicester.
It's unlikely ten Hag will keep Maguire on the bench long-term, as he's the captain of the squad. However, the rest of the line-up worked well together. As for Hasenhüttl, Adams has been the best player on the field for the Saints and has only played a match and a half. Adams needs to be on the field for the full 90 minutes.
Southampton vs Manchester United Prediction
Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
This will be a tightly contested match throughout, as even though Manchester United are the better squad, they're still searching for their identity.
Both sides will make mistakes, but Man United will ultimately come away with the victory. As long as they show up with the same intensity they had against Liverpool, they'll come away with another three points.
Southampton vs Manchester United Best Bets
➕ Manchester United Moneyline (-130) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Ten Hag got his first victory as manager for Manchester United and is set on turning the club around. The win over Liverpool was the first step in that direction.
The club seemed deflated in their first two matches, but came alive in their last game. The defense was fierce, while the attack made the right passes.
Look for the Red Devils to win on the road.
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➕ Multiple Correct Score: 1-2, 1-3, or 1-4 (+350) at BetMGM
WAGER: 0.5 Units
Manchester United will be in full attack mode against Southampton with a new sense of identity. As a result, the Saints will be playing back.
If the backline of Man United could hold Liverpool to one goal, they should have a similar result against Southampton, if not better. Along with the backline, David de Gea had his best performance of the season with five saves and will carry that over into this match.
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➕ Anthony Martial: Anytime Goalscorer (+130) at BetMGM
WAGER: 0.5 Units
Anthony Martial made his first Premier League appearance of the season last match as a second-half replacement for Anthony Elanga. Martial had a few good opportunities to score against Liverpool and almost had an empty net, but Alisson forced him to make a behind pass that ended with a Liverpool stop.
During Manchester United's preseason, Martial was the main striker and scored three goals in six matches. He has shown flashes of scoring ability but hasn't gotten the opportunity in recent years.
With the club under new management, Martial will get the opportunity to showcase his abilities. Back Martial to bury one in the back of the net.
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