This EFL Cup preview sees Manchester United take on Southampton at Wembley, in the first showpiece of the season.
Manchester United come into this match in excellent form, with five wins and a draw in their last six matches. It remains to be seen whether the huge fixture pile up will have a major effect on this side.
Southampton come into this match on the back of an extended break, but their last match was a 4-0 win against Sunderland.
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Manchester United vs Southampton – Sunday 26th February 2017 – 16:30 - Sky Sports 1
Manchester United face Southampton at Wembley on Sunday, in the first showpiece final of the season.
Jose Mourinho's side come into the match on the back of another win, this time a 1-0 win against St Etienne.
It was another excellent all round performance from United, who really are grinding out results despite a huge fixture pile up.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (16) scored what proved to be the only goal of the game, with the Armenian proving to be a vital cog in this United side.
He was one of the casualties of the game, along with Michael Carrick who will unfortunately miss this final through injury.
Eric Bailly was also sent off in the 63rd minute, but it made no difference to a rampant United side who won 4-0 on aggregate.
United Imperious
Jose Mourinho's side are in excellent form, they have won their last five successive matches in all competitions.
The win in the Europa League means they head into the last 16 draw, they are the only English representatives.
They have played four fixtures in eleven days, with the fixtures coming thick and fast it is bound to haunt them at some stage.
Red's Favourites
Manchester United come into the game as favourites, with their pedigree and recent form informing the odds.
This is a vital match for United, it will be the first silverware of the season in the Mourinho era should they win.
Manchester United will be looking to continue their fine record over Southampton. In 82 matches they have won 47, lost 17 and drawn 18.
Manchester United are 3/4 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at 7/2 to score first.
Southampton Looking For Win
Southampton come into this match after a long break, with their last win a 4-0 win away at Sunderland.
January signing Gabbiadini (30 & 45) scored two goals in the first half, with the forward in great form.
That was his third goal in Saints colours, it also gave Southampton the perfect start at the Stadium of Light.
Denayer scored a comical own goal late on (88), with Shane Long completing the scoring in the 92nd minute.
Saints Unearth Another
Claude Puel will be delighted with that response, he will also be delighted with the form of Gabbiadini.
The January signing from Napoli has been a revelation, with three goals in his last two matches for the Saints.
This fixture is one of the biggest in the clubs history, they have been in phenomenal form in this competition.
They reached the final after an excellent two leg performance against Liverpool, with the Saints keeping two clean sheets.
Saints Underdogs
Southampton come into the match as underdogs, with Manchester United the heavy favourites.
Claude Puel's side will be looking to cause a huge upset, with the Frenchman looking to achieve cult status at St.Mary's.
The Saints will be looking to draw on the 1-0 win against United, this was achieved this time last year.
Southampton are 19/5 with Manolo Gabbiadini at 13/2 to open the scoring.
Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Rashford to score first @ 5/1
Tip 2 – Manchester United to win 2-1 @ 15/2