1. Control Possession
It should go without saying: Manchester United are a team that will punish you if you let them have the ball. United held the ball for 53% of the match against Bournemouth and were able to hang 3 goals on the Cherries in that time. Southampton will have to do better in the possession game if they want to have a chance at coming out with points.
Fortunately, this is one area where Claude Puel’s philosophy excels. The 4-4-2 diamond is based around possession football, patience and quality passes from back-third to midfield to attacking-third and back as need be. That strength showed last week as Southampton dominated possession 64% to 36% versus Watford. They’ll need to put up similar, or better, possession numbers against the Red Devils tomorrow if they want to have a chance.
Next: D is for Defence