Manchester United Vs Southampton. The first big Final of the season is almost here and the first piece of silverware will be up for grabs on Sunday at Wembley when the two Premier League sides meet each other and will play football for the 90 minutes and there will be several attempts to outsmart, outwit and outplay one another and win the trophy. The Saints will be confident despite facing such a difficult opposition as they have the confidence of a win over Liverpool over two legs of football and add to that their latest Premier League match saw them trounce Sunderland 4-0.
While the result was much needed for the Saints, it will also have given them added confidence to take on the Manchester heavyweight. United, on the other hand, are through to the Round of 16 of the Europa League after a 4-0 aggregate win over St. Etienne and will now look to add to their trophy cabinet with the EFL Cup. Mourinho was dealt a blow in the form of injuries to Mkhitaryan and Carrick on Wednesday but the extent of the injuries have not yet been revealed.
It is to be seen whether Mourinho takes a risk on someone like Mkhitaryan with an important phase of the season coming up. He has bench strength and might not have to take any drastic action to put him on the field.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED XI VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
David De Gea is likely to be in goal and although Romero has had his fair share of opportunities in goal, Mourinho might decide to make this ruthless call in light of the team’s requirements. Shaw seems to have fallen down the pecking order and Blind is likely to be chosen ahead of him at left-back. Bailey has quickly risen the ranks at Old Trafford and will start at centre-back with his partner most likely being Smalling. At right-back, it will be Ecuadorian- Antonio Valencia who will look to get involved in the attacking play as much as possible.
MIDFIELD
Paul Pogba will start in midfield and will be partnered by Herrera. Both of them have struck up a good understanding and should be able to dominate proceedings in midfield against the Saints. In what might come as a shock to many, Rooney might yet earn a start if Mkhitaryan is not adjudged fit. In that case, the captain will start in the No.10 role.
ATTACK
Martial is likely to get a game on the left wing with Rashford an alternative while Juan Mata is slated to start on the right-wing. Ibrahimovic will lead the attack once more.
