EPL: Southampton v Manchester United preview

Southampton v Manchester United preview

Southampton will look to end a shocking recent record against Manchester United, having won just three of the last 22 meetings.

This fixture ended in a 0-0 draw last season and it is 14 years since Saints last beat United at home - a 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from James Beattie.

The home side have moved up to ninth in the table following their win at Crystal Palace last weekend, but their form at St Mary's will be a concern for Mauricio Pellegrino after seeing his men win just one of their four home matches so far this term.

Saints could hand Virgil van Dijk his first start since January, after the former Celtic man returned a substitute in the 1-0 success at Selhurst Park. The Dutchman is nearing full fitness after playing for the Under-23 team on Monday.

The hosts though will hand a late fitness test to another defender, Matt Target, who has picked up an ankle injury.

United remain unbeaten this season, with their only dropped points coming in their last away fixture - a 2-2 draw at Stoke on September 9. A win on Saturday would see the visitors reach their highest Premier League points tally after six games (16).

Jose Mourinho is still without injured pair Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo for the trip to the South Coast, while former Saints star Luke Shaw remains sidelined with ankle problem.

With a Champions League clash in Moscow next week, Mourinho could shuffle his pack with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the running to start after impressive displays in the midweek League Cup success over Burton.