Mark Lawrenson has highlighted two Southampton players who might cause Manchester United the most trouble tomorrow.
Writing for the BBC, the former Brighton and Liverpool defender picked out James Ward-Prowse and Armando Broja as the Saints who could inflict damage on the Red Devils.
Both South Coast stars have a decent claim to being Ralph Hasenhuttl’s danger men, too.
Ward-Prowse has affirmed his status as arguably the Premier League’s finest set-piece taker and cross connoisseur. He is six shy of David Beckham’s all-time free-kick record in the top flight, with 12 to his name.
His deliveries from all over the pitch cause havoc for defences, as Tottenham Hotspur found out on Wednesday. The midfielder provided two perfect assists from the right flank to set up Southampton’s late comeback in north London.
Southampton strike with force
Broja started the scoring that night with his sixth league goal of the season.
Having been sent to St Mary’s by Chelsea on loan, the goal meant that much more to the young striker. Despite his youthful age, the 20-year-old already looks like the real deal, with many tipping him to return to Thomas Tuchel’s squad next season.
However, if Hasenhuttl’s side are to defeat United at Old Trafford on Saturday, Broja and Ward-Prowse will have to be at the top of their game.
“It will be interesting to see how United get on against Southampton because it won’t be one-way traffic,” Lawrenson said.
“I can see Armando Broja causing the United defence some problems and so will James Ward-Prowse with his set-pieces.”
Untidy United
While Ralf Rangnick will be wary of Southampton’s duel threat, he must focus on ironing out his own side’s mistakes first. United blew a 1-0 advantage against Burnley mid-week, having totally dominated the first half.
Granted, the officials chalked off two goals which, on another day, may have been given. But United failed to convert the other chances that fell their way, allowing Burnley to equalise almost instantly after the interval.
Southampton proved at Spurs they can punish an opponent if the game isn’t put to bed early. Under Rangnick, however, United aren’t great at scoring promptly or keeping a definitive lead.
A feast of goals could on the cards at the Theatre of Dreams.
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