Manchester United v. Southampton - Match Preview

Louis Saha looks almost certain to make his debut and will form a strike partnership with Ruud Van Nistelrooy. United supporters will hope the addition of the Frenchman to the starting line-up will help end a Premiership goal drought. If 50 minutes pass without the hosts scoring tomorrow, it will be the longest amount of time United have gone without a Premiership goal. With Ruud Van Nistelrooy finally putting pen-to-paper on a new contract during the week, the striker will have had a much needed morale boost, so his first goal since January 7th would be a great way to start life under his big-money deal.

The club will be glad to get back to action in the league after Sir Alex Ferguson and club directors JP McManus and John Magnier over the ownership of race horse 'Rock of Gibraltar'. Rumours have even done the rounds that Ferguson could lose his job over the arguments and accusations. However, the United fans will back their boss over some ridiculous money makers, who don't even like football!

Gordon Strachan recently announced that he will be resigning from his post as Southampton boss at the end of the season, but still hopes that he can lead the Saints to European qualification this season. In a table that is incredibly tight in the mid-table positions, Southampton could find themselves as high as 5th after tomorrow's game, or as low as 12th by the end of the weekend.

Southampton were the first side to beat the Red Devils this season, and with the recent drop in form in the Premiership for United, will come to Old Trafford believing they can make the long journey home with some league points. The Saints have enjoyed two weeks without a match, after an early F.A Cup exit, but they go into tomorrow's game not in the best of  form, with only one win in eight outings, and that was against Leeds United!

As for the team news, obviously all eyes will be on new acquisition Louis Saha who will make his United debut. Saha will partner Van Nistelrooy up front. Ryan Giggs is the biggest worry for the Reds, but Roy Keane and the Neville brothers are expected to return to action after missing last Saturday's F.A Cup clash.

The visitors are in a bit of a player crisis ahead of the game, with nine players unavailable. Major losses include Michael Svensson and David Prutton who are both suspended, and Marian Pahars and Agustin Delgado who are likely to be absent through injury. With the mid-week sale of Welsh international 'keeper Paul Jones, Paul Smith is likely to be included in the match-day squad, who joined the Saints from Brentford during the transfer window.

One to Watch - James Beattie
The England international has had a bit of a disappointing season, and has not scored in 6 consecutive matches. After a fantastic season last year, Beattie is on some poor form of late, but would get himself back into the frame for an England call-up with a goal against us!

ManUtdWeb Prediction - Manchester United 2-0 Southampton
The addition of Saha and the willingness to get back to footballing matters at the club will drive United on, so I'd expect three vital points on Saturday.

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