Manchester United vs Southampton
EFL Cup Final
The first meaningful piece of silverware is on offer at Wembley on Sunday as Southampton take on Manchester United for the EFL Cup.
It’s a trophy both teams desperately want to win and Manchester United start out as favourites, but not as big as when they lost the 1976 FA Cup final to the second division Saints in one of the best football games of the century. The Red Devils are at betting odds of 1.76 to lift the trophy on Saturday, so this could be a real battle royal.
Online betting fans won’t take any notice of a shock result four decades ago, more so that United are on an impressive run with just one defeat in 24 And in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they have the most imperious striker in the league. But the likely absence of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Michael Carrick, injured in St Etienne on Thursday, is a worry for Jose Mourinho.
After a poor run of three defeats, including a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Arsenal, Southampton have recovered form just in time, beating Sunderland 4-0 last time out. Manolo Gabbiadini’s move from Napoli has re-ignited the Saints’ season and he will be the biggest threat, having bagged three in two games since his £17m transfer.
Claude Puel’s team is 11th in the Premier League table but has had a brilliant run in this competition, beating Premier League teams in every round, including Arsenal and Liverpool, and without conceding a single goal. Oriol Romeu has been instrumental in everything good at St Mary’s this season and the midfielder could be the key to another surprise.
While a Saints win is at 4-60, this looks likely to be a hard-fought match and a bet on under 2.25 goals is at 1.91, or a draw at 3.35 could work.
After a disastrous end to his Chelsea career, Jose would love to get his hands on the first cup of the season, but make no mistake; the Saints will be up for a fight.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
