Dutchmen Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman go head-to-head in this weekend’s Premier League encounter – can the Saints find a way to get past Manchester United?
Photo: Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com
The Premier League goes Dutch this weekend as Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United takes on Ronald Koeman’s Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium. Will van Gaal come out of the tie smelling tulips, or will Koeman taste some Dutch delight?
The Big Match:
Southampton vs Manchester United (Tue, 4am)
Photo: EPA
Both Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal have taken the Premier League by storm this season.
Koeman has brought the Saints back from the dead, turning a club falling apart to one that is the toast of the Premier League, having climbed up to 3rd place so far.
Yes, there are still question marks on whether they could last the distance, but the fact that they have exceeded expectations so early in the season should not be undermined.
On the other hand, van Gaal has relished the challenge to step into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes after David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure as United boss last season. With all the track record, reputation and experience that he brings, the “Iron Tulip” has still found it a massive challenge to bring the Red Devils back to where they belong, but slowly (and surely) he is getting there.
The Saints haven’t had a good record against United in previous encounters (3 losses and 2 draws), and I feel that is set to continue this weekend. United will edge out as the winner.
Prediction: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United
Newcastle vs Chelsea (Sat, 8.45pm)
Chelsea is definitely the favourite coming into the tie but you’d be surprised to know that the Magpies have the better recent head-to-head record against the Blues (3 Wins and 2 losses).
Still, Chelsea seem too good at the moment to lose this one.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
Stoke City vs Arsenal (Sat, 11pm)
Stoke won this fixture last season and it held the Gunners to draws in the other two fixtures at the Britannia Stadium.
Can Arsenal finally come away with a win? Possible, but I doubt so.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Arsenal
Manchester City vs Everton (Sun, 1.30pm)
Everton has held its own against the champions recently, having won two and drawing one out of its last five matches.
But the Toffees have struggled for form this season, so it should be a comfortable win for the home side.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Everton
By Ahmad Khan
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About Ahmad Khan
Ahmad Khan (@AhmadKhan12) is a presenter for #RedCardConnect. He has the potty idea that football makes the world go round and is convinced that the beautiful game forges greater bonds than the United Nations.
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