Manchester United have benefited from an irregular fixture schedule in recent weeks but they are still in the hunt for their first Premier League win since December 15.
A golden opportunity presents itself on Thursday evening after two results boosted morale and allayed fears that Ruben Amorim would never be able to make a sound The Group of underperforming United stars.
A 2-2 draw at Anfield and a penalty shootout win at Arsenal suggest the team are moving in the right direction, but much of their success under Amorim so far has come against superior opposition. Southampton, the worst team the Premier League has to offer, offers an alternative challenge.
These are the games United have faltered in for years under several managers.
Given the hardships United endured over the weekend, there will certainly be some rotation and here is the team Amorim could pick on Thursday night.
TW: Andre Onana – Altay Bayindir was the man of the moment at the Emirates, but Onana will take over as number one again in midweek. However, Bayindir’s performance would have made the Cameroonian stand out.
CB: Leny Yoro – Matthijs de Ligt defended vigorously on Sunday and could perhaps use a breather. Yoro is an excellent alternative and his work with the ball will be needed against a deep Southampton defense.
CB: Harry Maguire – Don’t worry Harry, the video assistant referee will be on site on Thursday to assess any complaints. Maguire shone on the big occasion under Amorim, but his transition work will be tested here.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – Martinez struggled toward the end of overtime but still managed to beat David Raya in the shootout from 12 yards. There is no indication that the Argentine will be out due to injury.
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui – The Moroccan international has been a mainstay this season and has quickly become the new coach’s favorite. With United currently having no full-back alternatives unless Amorim wants to release Amad Diallo back into the role, Mazraoui should get the nod.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte is a real pest whose limitations are hidden by hard work and cunning. Man Utd fans have quickly taken an interest in him and he will be a key figure for the rest of the season.
CM: Bruno Fernandes – United will need passers and runners here, so Amorim could opt for an aggressive formation and move the in-form Fernandes into midfield.
LWB: Tyrell Malacia – Diogo Dalot’s suspension and Luke Shaw’s absence mean Malacia could make a rare appearance and an even rarer start on Thursday. We haven’t seen the Dutchman in the Premier League since United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth three days before Christmas.
AM: Amad Diallo – Amad suffered a stroke on Sunday but was fit enough for an extended cameo off the bench. Assuming he is at 100%, the Ivorian will be back in the team against Southampton.
AM: Alejandro Garnacho – After setting up Fernandes’ first goal on Sunday, Amorim is likely to stick with the cocky Argentine, who provides the necessary runs back against a deep defense.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Zirkzee must be full of confidence after a decent performance on Sunday was capped off by a cool winning penalty. With runners on both sides and Bruno supplying from deeper areas, the conditions are in place for the Dutchman to thrive.