Gameweek 4 of Fantasy Premier League Sees Southampton Host Manchester United
As Gameweek 4 of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) kicks off, football fans are gearing up for a fixture rich in history and memorable moments. Southampton’s encounter with Manchester United has seen its share of dramatic games, from Manchester United’s infamous grey kit debacle in 1995/96 to their recent 9-0 triumph over the Saints.
In the 1995/96 season, Manchester United’s grey kit became a symbol of their unfortunate 6-3 defeat against Southampton at The Dell, a result that left a lasting mark on the club’s history. However, the Red Devils have enjoyed more success in recent years against Southampton, including a record-breaking 9-0 victory at Old Trafford three years ago, during which Jan Bednarek, who starts today, recorded a -7 FPL score.
Both teams, however, are currently navigating through challenging times. Southampton, after securing promotion to the Premier League last season, are still seeking their first points of the new campaign. The Saints have struggled to adapt to the top flight, finding themselves without a win and in desperate need of a positive result.
Manchester United, meanwhile, is grappling with the fallout from their worst league finish in 34 years. The Red Devils have endured back-to-back defeats at the start of the 2024/25 season, raising questions about their form and consistency. Both clubs have responded to their Gameweek 3 losses with significant changes to their line-ups.
Southampton has made several alterations for this fixture, giving starts to new signings Lesley Ugochukwu, Matheus Fernandes, and Cameron Archer. Tyler Dibling, a £4.5m FPL midfielder who impressed during pre-season and in his substitute appearances, also earns a place in the starting XI. The changes see Adam Armstrong, Will Smallbone, and Joe Aribo among the substitutes, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis also on the bench. Ross Stewart, fit again, joins the substitutes and might have a chance of featuring as one of the remaining £4.5m forwards.
For Manchester United, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo are included in the starting line-up, with Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro both starting on the bench. Garnacho returned late from South America, while Casemiro is dropped following a disappointing performance two weeks ago.
Starting Line-Ups:
Southampton XI: Ramsdale, Sugawara, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Downes, Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Dibling, Archer, Brereton Diaz
Subs: McCarthy, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor, Fraser, Lallana, Aribo, Cornet, Armstrong, Stewart
Manchester United XI: Onana, Mazraoui, Martinez, De Ligt, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Amad, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee
Subs: Bayındır, Evans, Maguire, Casemiro, Collyer, Ugarte, Antony, Garnacho, Wheatley
As both teams prepare to clash, the fixture promises to be a pivotal moment for their respective seasons. Southampton will be keen to secure their first points and gain a foothold in the Premier League, while Manchester United will look to bounce back from their recent defeats and build momentum. The outcome of this match could be crucial in shaping the trajectory of both teams’ seasons, and it will be interesting to see how the managerial changes and player adjustments influence the game.
Fans and FPL managers alike will be watching closely, as key players and tactical decisions could have significant implications for both the match and their fantasy teams. With the stakes high and both sides eager to turn their fortunes around, this encounter is set to be a thrilling and crucial fixture in Gameweek 4.
