Mauricio Pochettino will travel away from St Mary's Stadium for the first time as Southampton take on Manchester United for their midweek Premier League clash at Old Trafford. The last time these two sides met ended 2-3, with Robin van Persie scoring the late winner for the Red Devils.

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney
Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney has been the main strike pair for Manchester United this season. Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT. Catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10:35pm GMT.

Overview

Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his side progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup, after defeating Fulham 4-1 at home last weekend. United sit on top of the Premier League table with 56 points from 23 games and lead the champions and cross-town rivals, Manchester City by five points. Ferguson would be looking to extend his side's recent run of form when they face Southampton on Wednesday night, in order to maintain the gap at the top.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, winning eight. United have been in great form at home as well in the league this season, losing just one out of their 11 games and winning the remaining 10 matches.

The Saints, on the other hand, are out of the relegation zone as they are 15th in the league table, with 23 points. Southampton are currently unbeaten in their last six league games, which included a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal and a 2-2 draw to Chelsea. In addition to this, Pochettino managed to avoid defeat in his first game in charge as his side's last league fixture against Everton ended in a goalless draw.

The visitors would be looking to avoid another defeat (after earning draws against Arsenal and Chelsea) when they face United. Meanwhile, a win would upset the league leaders and could help Southampton climb to 13th spot, depending on the results elsewhere.

Rickie Lambert
Reuters

Form Guide

Manchester United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D W W D
  • Last Result: Manchester United 4-1 Fulham

Southampton

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D D W L D
  • Last Result: Southampton 0-0 Everton

Team News

Patrice Evra
Reuters

Ferguson has now new injury worries for midweek as defender Jonny Evans and winger Ashley Young will miss the game. Rio Ferdinand and skipper Nemanja Vidic are likely to start at the central defence, as the duo were rested for the FA Cup tie.

Probable Line-Up: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Cleverley, Carrick, Nani; Rooney, Van Persie

Pochettino has an entire squad up for selection as Southampton has no fresh injury concerns. England international Adam Lallana is likely to start at Old Trafford and it could be a major boost for the Saints in the midfield. New recruit Vegard Forren from Norwegian club Molde is also likely to start from the bench.

Probable Line-Up: Boruc; Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Cork; Puncheon, Lallana, Ramirez; Lambert

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney