By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester United face Southampton
- Arsenal travel across London to Fulham
- Liverpool is up against Bournemouth
UK – Last weekend Manchester United suffered their heaviest defeat of the Premier League era, can Erik ten Hag’s side recover?
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Manchester United vs Southampton, Sunday March 12, kick-off 14:00
It had looked like Manchester United were getting back to their best. They had just lifted the EFL Trophy and beaten Barcelona in the Europa League. However, their 7-0 defeat to Liverpool last Sunday proved otherwise.
Erik ten Hag‘s side has come back from bad results in the past. They started the season very badly with defeats to Brighton and Brentford, whilst they also suffered a 6-3 defeat to Manchester City. The United manager now has to work another miracle to pick his side up after their Anfield humiliation.
Their resurgence began well with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Europa League this week but they still have a lot to prove when it comes to domestic action.
Bruno Fernandes has received a lot of criticism for his performance against Liverpool. It may be time to bring Harry Maguire to be recalled to the starting line-up to wear the armband and sure them up defensively.
They are up against a team that knows about being on the end of a heavy defeat. Southampton has lost 9-0 to United and Leicester in the last four years.
The Saints did beat the Foxes in their last game but they are still 19th in the league. Since Ruben Selles has taken over from Nathan Jones his side has won twice, drawn one and lost two. It is not a bad record for a man in his first senior management job. They are still fighting to stay in the league and it could be a very good time for them to face United.
Score prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Southampton
Fulham vs Arsenal, Sunday March 12, kick-off 14:00
Arsenal needed a very late goal to beat Bournemouth last time out, the result left Mikel Arteta‘s side five points clear at the top of the division, five points clear of Manchester City who has now played the same amount of games.
The manner of the victory over the Cherries was telling, the Gunners were two goals down before goals from Thomas Partey, Ben White and the 97th-minute winner from Reiss Nelson won them the game. They have shown that they have the fight to win the title.
In the Europa League this week, the Gunners only managed a draw with Sporting Lisbon. This could be a blessing in disguise as their league form may benefit from not having European action. Although they do need to improve from their performance in Portugal.
They have now won their last four league games since their defeat to City. It could really be the year when Arsenal win the league for the first time since 2004.
But they are up against a Fulham side who are doing well this season. The Cottagers are 7th in the league but did lose 3-2 to Brentford in a West London derby on Monday night. Marco Silva needs to pick his side up if they are to sneak into a European place for next season.
Score prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal
Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Saturday March 11, kick-off 12:30
Liverpool goes into this game on a massive high after destroying Manchester United 7-0 last Sunday. The match saw Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah all score a brace, the other goal came from Roberto Firmino.
Salah has often not looked at his best this season but performed unbelievably against the Red Devils. His manager Jurgen Klopp has also been under pressure but that win will definitely silence any doubters.
The Reds are now 5th in the league and need to keep their run of five league games undefeated going if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Bournemouth is still rooted at the bottom of the league. They have lost their last two games, since beating Wolverhampton Wanderers. Gary O’Neil‘s side needs to start getting wins under their belt soon but this is not a good time to be playing the Reds.
Score prediction: Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
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