Mission accomplished for Manchester United. The Red Devils are in love with embattled manager Jose Mourinho once more after qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League on Tuesday. In a hard-fought clash against Young Boys at Old Trafford, Manchester United pulled out a 1-0 victory to advance ahead of Valencia. Marouane Fellaini was the hero of the day for scoring in extra time to get the win and Mourinho celebrated by smashing a chair on the touchline. It’s unlikely we’ll see that much enthusiasm when the club faces the Southampton Saints this week.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United -113
Southampton +309
Draw +252
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Southampton are currently 18th in the table as everyone around them moved up last weekend. The Saints are sitting on just eight points, and they are the only team in the Premier League left with just one win. That win came all the way back on September 1, and since then supporters have had to make due with draws. They have drawn level with Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Watford in three of their last five matches.
While United were able to cash in and move forward in the Champions League, the results in the Premier League have not been so hot. The Red Devils did rally in order to get within striking distance of a spot in Europe, but they have not won either of their last two EPL tilts. They lost to Manchester City prior to the international break, and they followed that up with a draw against Crystal Palace last week.
Key Injuries
Defenders Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof will miss this match due to injury. Rojo is a relatively short-term injury, and he should return soon, but Lindelof will be out until around Christmas time. Darmian seems to be a relatively short-term injury too, while Diogo Dalot’s injury further stretches the depth of the back line and he is considered doubtful.
Southampton won’t have Shane Long for a few weeks more after he picked up an ankle injury right before the international break, but Danny Ings is nearly ready to return. He has been out for a tick due to a thigh injury, and he is listed as questionable to make his return on Saturday.
Matchup to Watch
Provided Ings is able to return from injury, Southampton should be able to threaten Manchester United’s back line. The Red Devils have been solid in the back, but they are dealing with a ton of injuries in defense. The depth is razor thin at the moment, and it will be a bit stretched after playing a tough midweek game in the Champions League.
The Saints have not been great on offense so far this season, but Ings has been very good on the attack. He has scored four of the team’s 10 goals in Premier League play, and they will get a big boost if he returns.
Prop Bet of the Game – Southampton PK and +0.5 at +127
Over the course of the year, Southampton has been good at procuring draws, so I like their chances of at least getting a tie. Manchester United won’t have near the motivation they did earlier in the week, and there is bound to be some sort of emotional letdown.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This line makes me feel like the sportsbooks are expecting Southampton to pick up a result here. The Saints are somewhat undervalued on the EPL betting odds, and to see them at just a little over 4-1 against a blue blood despite being in the relegation zone is enough for me to back Southampton.
English Premier League Odds: Southampton 2, Manchester United 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
