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Premier League 2016-2017: Manchester United vs Southampton, Preview, Prediction & Predicted Lineup

| Aug 15, 2016 05:31 AM EDT

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Season favorites Manchester United FC (1-0-0, 3 points) will try to continue their dominating performances in the preseason and in the 2016-2017 Premier League season's opening weekend as they face Southampton FC (0-0-1, 1 point) at the Old Trafford on Friday, August 19.

The Red Devils had been displaying a brand new lineup from brand new head coach Jose Mourinho in the past few weeks and they were crushing all teams coming their way whether they are friendlies or trophy games.

United defeated reigning English top flight champions Leicester City during the preseason's Community Shield affair, 2-1, following a goalless draw with Everton in Wayne Rooney's testimonial and a 5-2 romp of Galatasaray in their final preseason friendly.

The team then thumped AFC Bournemouth, 3-1, in their season-opening game on Sunday at the Vitality Stadium to remain unbeaten in their last four outings with Mourinho, as per the Mirror.

United's constant factor during those games is newly-acquired superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, who has yet to concede a game since he joined the Red Devils in the match against Galatasaray.

Ibrahimović sealed the win against the Cherries as he scored at the 64th minute to make it a 3-0 game after midfielder Juan Mata and team captain Wayne Rooney each netted a goal at the 40th and 59th minutes.

Another superstar, Frenchman Paul Pogba, is set to join the United party in this match against Southampton, which certainly excites the fans at the Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Southampton settled to a 1-1 draw with Watford at their home field of St. Mary's Stadium last Saturday, SkySports reported.

New Saints head coach Claude Puel featured his newly-signed striker Nathan Redmond during the match and the game proved that his partnership with Shane Long is still in the gelling stage.

The Hornets actually drew first blood in the match at the ninth minute when midfielder Étienne Capoue scored the opening goal.

Redmond proved to be a good signing as he found the equalizer at the 58th minute in the second half to salvage the draw for the hosts.

They are up to a tall order against the Red Devils this week and is expected to succumb to a lopsided decision.

The predicted result is another 3-0 rout for Manchester United.

Manchester United starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Fellaini, Pogba; Mata, Rooney, Martial; Ibrahimović

Southampton starting lineup (4-1-2-1-2 formation): Forster; Soares, Yoshida, van Dijk, Targett; Romeu; Davis, Ward-Prowse; Tadic; Long, Redmond

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