Manchester United began the new season with defeat at Everton but got back on track next time at Old Trafford and should continue winning ways on Sunday.
An opening Monday night loss at Goodison Park was somewhat of a surprise but the 2011-12 Premier League runners-up were largely second-best up against the inspired Toffees and there were no complaints from Sir Alex Ferguson about the 1-0 scoreline.
Hosting [Fulham]] last Saturday United then fell behind to a well-taken Damian Duff goal but that only stung the Red Devils into action and they had new signing Robin van Persie to thank for setting them on their way to victory.
Preferred to Wayne Rooney in attack, the England striker is now due for a month on the sidelines through an injury sustained against the London club, van Persie’s excellent strike was United’s first in what was ultimately a fairly comfortable 3-2 win and I expect them to follow up on the south coast.
While van Persie’s transfer from Arsenal hogged the headlines, Shinji Kagawa’s capture from the Bundesliga went fairly unnoticed but the Japanese star has impressed in two matches for his new side to date, scoring once, and he is tipped to play a pivotal role against the Saints.
With United expected to welcome back Jonny Evans in defence to partner captain Nemanja Vidic, United should be able to provide goalkeeper David de Gea with enough protection and going forward they are expected to have too much for the hosts.
Southampton, Premier League newcomers as a result of back-to-back promotions under manager Nigel Adkins, were close to pulling off a major shock at Eastlands when leading the champions in their first top flight fixture but they ultimately succumbed 3-2 to Manchester City and were again beaten last time out at St Mary’s.
Wigan, who have started the season brightly, triumphed 2-0 last Saturday and the worry for all Saints fans must be at the back.
United will pose significantly greater threat than the Latics and I think Sir Alex will go for it against a team whose style should suit the Red Devils.
Having opened up at round the 1.40 mark, United have now drifted to a very backable 1.60 with a couple of firms and I think that underestimates their chance.
They were superb on the road last term when coming up just short in the title race and anything less than three points on Sunday would be a shock.
3pts Back Manchester United (vs. Southampton) @ 1.60 (Stan James, William Hill)