Manchester United vs Southampton live online, on TV, radio

Manchester United vs Southampton live online, on TV, radio - Oct 19, 2013

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Defending Premier League champions Manchester United will host Southampton on Saturday the 19th of October 2013.

Preview: Saints looking to cause an upset at Old Trafford

Mauricio Pochettino‘s men have been this season’s surprise package currently placed fourth in the table and on level points with London giants Chelsea. A victory could take Southampton to the top of the table and keeping in mind their recent run an upset could be very well on the cards.

After their 1-0 loss to Norwich back on the 31st of August, the Saints have been riding on an undefeated streak which has seen them win four out of their last five matches in all competitions including a 1-0 win over second placed Liverpool.

What has been more impressive is the fact that on the course of their unbeaten streak, the residents of St. Mary’s stadium have not conceded a single goal. Southampton have had the most disciplined defence in the league so far having conceded only two goals.

Their back four boasts the physical presence of Croatian international Dejan Lovren who partners Jose Fonte at the heart of the defence accompanied on the wings by young full backs in the form of Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne. New signing Victor Wanyama has also done a commendable job in guarding the back four.

A well organised Southampton defence will have a momentous task in holding back the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie who were both on target during the international week and will be hoping to translate their form on the international stage with their club.

The Southampton defence will also have to be wary of Manchester United’s newest star Adnan Januzaj who produced a stellar performance last time out and it was his two goals against Sunderland which allowed David Moyes to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the league.

The 18 year old has been making headlines since then with contract negotiations underway and it will be interesting to see whether David Moyes is ready to give his young prodigy a regular run in the first team.

With Southampton’s defence earning its plaudits, their attacking game has been equally impressive. With the quality Pochettino has to his expense he has been forced to demote some of his star players to the bench. However one player who has been a regular starter is 25 year old Adam Lallana who will have definitely startled England coach Roy Hodgson with his excellent performances and has definitely made a case for himself to be included in the national team like his club teammate Rickie Lambert.

Since arriving from Roma, Dani Osvaldo has featured regularly in the Southampton line-up and even though the Italian is yet to find his feet in England he is surely a threat and adds a lot to Southampton’s attacking play.

Southampton’s talented front four should be a worry for Manchester United’s back four which has been in shambles as of late. Veteran centre backs Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand who had been regarded as the best centre back pairing in England a few years back are now starting to show signs of depreciation.

Both the defenders have been woeful for the defending champions so far and David Moyes will surely need to add either of Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans to stabilise the defence.
For United Tom Cleverly is likely to miss the clash against Southampton after withdrawing from the England squad due to a calf problem.

Artur Boruc who was rumoured to be out of the squad after missing out Poland’s 2-0 loss to England has been declared fit to play.

"Artur is OK. There is some news that has come out, which is not true, regarding his fitness. He is fine,” Pochettino said.

"He has been training for three days. He has been training well and we hope that he will be perfect for Saturday's game."