Saints face uphill battle in hosting Pogbandes
Manchester United travel to the South Coast in pursuit of back to back wins to kick-off the Premier League season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were in devastating form last time out, embarrassing Leeds United to a 5-1 defeat at Old Trafford on the opening day. There are questions to be asked about Marcelo Bielsa’s men’s defending but Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes looked unplayable, the Frenchman with four assists and the Portuguese a hattrick, the perfect start. Saints too appeared to making a positive start to proceedings when debutant Adam Armstrong gave them the lead at Goodison Park but Rafael Benitez’s Toffees showed good resolve to come back and win 3-1.
Background
Saints are in a spot of bother having lost the services of key men in Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard they are shaping up like a side who will be content with maintaining their top-flight status this term, rather than pushing for a top half finish as is the usual aim. James Ward-Prowse remains captain fantastic, the academy graduate was unlucky to miss out on the England squad at Euro 2020 after being named in the provisional group of players by Gareth Southgate.
It will be interesting to see if the new duo of Adam Armstrong and Che Adams, some of the Football League’s finest second tier performers in recent years, can strike up an effective relationship at Premier League. Armstrong got off to the perfect start with a sumptuous finish past Jordan Pickford into the top corner, but he will be hoping to reach around 15 goals to help the Saints pull away from perceived trouble, 16th in the embryonic table.
Edinson Cavani and new signing Raphael Varane will be in contention to start the game at Saint Mary’s, Solskjaer’s has a selection dilemma on his mind on whether or not to drop Swedish centre back Victor Lindelof. Harry Maguire’s regular centre back partner chipped in with a delicious assist for Bruno Fernandes’ third against Leeds, a message to Varane that he is not just going to walk straight in as first choice at Old Trafford.
There is a bit of value on United despite the short price, such is the gap in quality between the two teams. However using the Asian Handicap we can manipulate that value further, enhancing a selection that will return our stake should the Red Devils win by a single goal.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-1, Southampton could have won it at the death with a late Adam Armstrong chance.