- Manchester United U21 sit fourth in Premier League 2 with 34 points from 16 games, while Southampton U21 are sixth with 33 points from 17.
- Manchester United U21 have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five, failing to win their last two home games.
Saints’ superb academy side could nick the result
Manchester United U21 come into this Premier League 2 clash as favourites at 19/25, but Southampton U21’s unbeaten run of five games could well continue against a team they have never beaten them at Old Trafford in recent meetings. Saints are priced at 249/100 for the game, but their odds are much lower for the draw at 61/20.
Manchester United U21’s form has been inconsistent of late with two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five, while Southampton U21 are in much better form with two wins and three draws in their last five. Travelling to Old Trafford, however, is a big ask for the Saints.
United’s home form has dipped recently with no win in their last two, but they have a much better record than Southampton U21 at home with four wins, two draws and two defeats from eight this league season. They have conceded 13 times in eight home games and with Saints hitting 15 goals away from home it is hard to look past Over 2.5 goals at 9/25.
Striker stars could get senior promotions
In this high-profile clash of academy talent, individual performances on Friday may help to determine who gets senior promotions by the end of the season.
Chido Obi has been the standout performer for United’s U21 team this term, scoring four of their 10 goals in the past five games, while Nicholas Oyekunle has the same number of strikes for Southampton U21, scoring four of their eight in their last five.
The two teams operate very differently, with Travis Binnion’s United playing high-tempo football and using their back four in a dynamic way in 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems. They press the ball hard and play fast transitions with fluidity to their movement in the final third, which suits Obi’s pace.
Matthew Paterson’s Saints set up in compact midblocks or diamond systems and blend technical build-up with high work-rate and aggressive pressing. They look to break quickly, which is where Oyekunle is most effective.
United to edge out a high-scoring encounter
The two styles will certainly clash in what should be a lively encounter at home. The odds for over 2.5 goals are too short at 9/25, but given that United have the home advantage, a superior head-to-head record and better odds than the Saints, we will back the hosts to edge out a goal-fest.
