Preview: Manchester United vs. Southampton

Manchester United will be without Ashley Young for the Premier League contest with Southampton after the winger was ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring problem.

The injury adds to the growing list of issues since Louis van Gaal joined the club in the summer, but the Dutchman is able to include Luke Shaw and Angel di Maria on Sunday afternoon.

Van Gaal is further boosted by the return to training of Danny Blind and Marcos Rojo, but both players may only be fit enough to take a place on the bench.

United are currently unbeaten in 11 games, but three of their last four top-flight matches have ended in a draw and they will lose third place in the standings should they fall to the Saints.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has hinted that on-loan winger Eljero Elia could be handed a debut at Old Trafford after joining the club from Werder Bremen.

Nathaniel Clyne and Jack Cork are also expected to play some part in the game after recovering from injury, but Sadio Mane is likely to be absent throughout January.

The Saints' five-match unbeaten run has included a victory over Arsenal and a draw with Chelsea, but the club could fall out of the top four if they suffer a second defeat in five weeks to United.

Manchester United:

Form in Premier League: WWDWDD Form in all competitions: WDWDDW

Possible starting lineup: De Gea; Jones, Smalling, Evans; Shaw, Carrick, Rooney, Di Maria; Mata; Van Persie, Falcao

Southampton:

Form in Premier League: LLWWDW Form in all competitions: LWWDWD

Possible starting lineup: Forster; Alderweireld, Fonte, Clyne, Bertrand; Wanyama, Davis, Ward-Prowse; Tadic, Elia; Pelle

Sports Mole says: 3-1