| Lambert is at Old Trafford tonight |
In the reverse fixture at St Mary's, the South Coast side almost pulled off a major shock scoring first against heavyweights, Manchester United and then going on to lead 2-1 with 3 minutes to play, until Robin Van Persie in his only his 2nd start for the red devils, stole the show with a brilliantly taken brace to add to his early strike. 3-2 it ended in favour of the League leaders. Adkins' led team also played an excellent match v defending champions, Manchester City and were again hard done by ill-luck and lack of experience, losing the match by the same scoreline (3-2). Only Arsenal blew them away (6-1). They played out an impressive 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge despite trailing 2-0 at the break. Ricky Lambert has come up big for them once more, with 10 premier league goals to his name. His 31 spot-kicks have all flown into the net and as it is, he has the best penalty conversion rate anywhere in the world. Sir Alex has suggested, albeit indirectly, that WAYNE ROONEY should borrow a leaf from the 30 year old marksman. The United no 10 has lost 10 of his 27 penalties taken for the red army and has been temporarily relieved of his duties. Uruguay's Gaston Ramirez hasn't been at his best it seems. Luke Shaw has shown amazing quality beyond his years, shinning like a million stars in his left back role. Jason Puncheon has punctured Manchester United and Chelsea this season and would have to be closely watched so he doesn't get used to deflating the big wigs. Another player Vidic and company must keep an eye on is Morgan Schneiderlin. The towering holding midfielder scored against them at home and has headed in two from two this season. Considering MUFC's defensive woes this campaign, that is a concern.
There's a new Sheriff in Town. Ex-Espanyol manager, Mauricio Pochettino is the new man in charge of Southampton. Appointed by Chairman, Nicola Cortese after the very surprising dismissal of Nigel Adkins (which left the football World in other dumbfoundment), the Argentine has found himself in new surroundings and has tries to get used to it. A good start to his managerial career at St Mary's as his boys made Everton work for a 0-0 draw. Tonight it is Manchester United.
| RVP: the main threat tonight |
Manchester United are not top of the Premier League by accident. They have played out of their skins this season. Despite conceding so many goals, they have also scored more than any other team in the League. The pacesetter has been Robin Van Persie, whose goal v Spurs 10 days ago made him the only player in Premier league history to score 10 away goals in 3 consecutive seasons. His 22 goals have all been World Class and worthy of gracing any Championship on the planet. The return of Nemanja Vidic, the improvement of Rafa da Silva, the maturity of Jonny Evans, the industry of Tom Cleverley, the excellence of Michael Carrick, the inspiration of Ryan Giggs, the Leadership of Patrice Evra, the sagacity of Rio Ferdinand, and indeed the endeavour of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez have all been of enormous help to Fergie's charges. The whole team has played absolutely fantastic and this is down to teamwork, unity, and the burning desire to reclaim what is rightfully theirs (The topflight domestic crown). No matter the threat Southampton pose, the red devils will be expected to glide past them with ease. It may be daunting and nail biting.
After the Doha trip, MUFC bamboozled Fulham in a dominant display that saw Ryan Giggs scoop yet another 'man of the match' award. The man is evergreen. 40 in November, his energy levels are still high and the hunger to succeed is even more obvious. Wayne Rooney is slowly and steadily returning to that remarkable form that put him in the 2011 FIFPRO WORLD 11 and the 5th best player of the aforementioned year. Between Rooney-RVP-CHICHARITO-and-Welbeck, 47 goals have been scored. Danny haul of 1 goal is not pleasing..but his all round display, especially in the last 2 EPL games against Liverpool and Spurs have well been exceptional.
Today, at the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United have it all to do if they want to restore their 7-point lead over Manchester City who drew away at QPR last night and lost Balotelli to A.C Milan. It has been a thorny last few hours for Mancini.
Manchester United have won the last five meetings v the Saints at home and only failed to win 18 years ago when MR ERROR TAIBI gifted the Legendary Matt Le Tissier a goal in a 3-3 draw. Today is expected to be a happy/victorious one for the League Leaders who are on a 12-game unbeaten run.
PROBABLE LINEUPS:
| SAF....Marching on. |
Sir Alex Ferguson will not risk either Ashley Young or Jonny Evans for this match. The 71 year old has more than enough in his Arsenal to shoot down Southampton. Rio Ferdinand, RVP, Nemanja Vidic and Shinji Kagawa are expected to return. DDG keeps his place (maybe)
DDG, RDS, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa/Nnai, Valencia/Welbeck, Rooney, RVP
| POCHETTINO: The SHERIFF |
Mauricio Pochettino most certainly will retain the same 11 that played so well against Everton which means there's no place for recent capture, Vegard Forren who arrived from Ole Solskjaer's Molde.
Boruc, Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw, Schneiderlin, Cork, Ramirez, Puncheon, G.D Prado, Lambert.
Ohireime P. Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
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