The Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are looking forward to a repeat of last season’s League Cup final fixture this weekend, against Southampton

The Red Devils are in good form going in to game-week six of the Premier League having only dropped two points and conceding two goals against Stoke City. They’ll be looking to continue this run and keep the early pressure on rivals and neighbours Manchester City, as the pair are seemingly going toe-to-toe in the race for the title this season.

Clocking up their third four-goal haul against a struggling Everton side last weekend, the Saints will have to have their wits about them if they’re to capitalise on the single goal win against Crystal Palace, only their second victory this season.

Our Landlord believes even without the midfield magician Paul Pogba in the side, this United side have the quality in depth to bring in a ready-made replacement. Indeed, they can’t see a Southampton side struggling for goals providing a challenge for the on-fire Red Devils.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how they should line up!

David de Gea

De Gea clocked up a clean sheet century against Everton at weekend; his fourth of the league season.

The United No.1 is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment. With his steady and assuring presence at the back, he’s providing a great confidence within the team.

Having just reached 100 clean sheets, the Spaniard is riding a wave of momentum right now.

Antonio Valencia

After hitting the back of the net with a sensational goal on Sunday, the converted right back is proving to be one of the best attacking full-backs in the league over the past eighteen months.

The pacey and reliable Valencia will be looking to continue this form against the saints, maybe even add another strike to his tally.

With United attacking on all fronts, he certainly has the option and freedom to push on to cause as much of a headache up in the final third, as well as the first.

Eric Bailly

Bailly has formed a rock solid partnership with Phil Jones early this season, only conceding two goals all season.

Many believe the Vidic like centre-back will be a United regular for years to come and on his current form, it’s hard to argue.

After scoring his first United goal this season, Southampton will be paying extra attention to him when he ventures up for corners.

Phil Jones

The unlikely Jones and Bailly partnership is flourishing this season. Many believed Jones’ United days were numbered last season after picking up an injury on England duty, with Mourinho seemingly calling out both he and Chris Smalling for not wanting to fight for the team.

However, this season he looks like he’s one of the first names on the team sheet under the Portuguese.

The versatile and consistent centre-back will be looking to further cement his place in the United back four this weekend with another shutout.

Ashley Young

After his excellent display at weekend, Young could be given another chance to show the United boss he is capable of holding down the left-back slot until a more permanent figure comes into play.

In the same mould as the other converted fullback, Young can provide the United flanks with attacking flair but at the same time use his many years of experience to hold back when he needs to.

He’ll be looking at the other left-back, Luke Shaw’s, former stamping ground as a place to impress once again.

Ander Herrera

Herrera may have only played fifteen minutes against Everton at weekend but Mourinho put United’s final ten-minute goal flurry down to the Spaniard’s substitute appearance.

Herrera can provide cover and stability alongside Matic in the preferred midfield two, so that the front four can be let off the leash in the final third of the pitch.

Last year’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year winner has started four games on the bench this season but will look to show the boss what he can do in Pogba’s absence.

Nemanja Matic

Branded as the ‘best bit of business’ this transfer window in our bar, Matic seems to be the missing piece in the United puzzle this season. Allowing his teammates around him to go and express themselves, he’s comfortable holding back and breaking up the play.

His range of passing and reading of the game has been key to United’s early season success and with the dynamic Herrera alongside him, there won’t be much the Saints could do to get past the pair.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Mkhitaryan has started the season on fire, one goal and five assists has Premier league defences certainly taking note. Unlike last season he’s definitely not started off slow.

As part of the interchangeable front four, he’s certainly made Mourinho stand up and take notice of his performances, looking every bit like the player they signed from Dortmund last season.

He’ll be looking to add to his goal tally this weekend as well as helping the team remain unbeaten.

Juan Mata

Juan Mata’s United career looked to have ended with the appointment of his former Chelsea boss last season, yet again this season Mata is proving why he should be in the starting eleven on a weekly basis.

The little Spaniard provides United with a cool and calm influence in the final third, playing off little passes to create the space for either flank and in front of him.

Juan Mata will be looking to get in on the goalscoring action this weekend and find the net for the first time this season.

Anthony Martial

The left-wing tussle between two outstanding young players is hotting up this year, between Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Both in good goalscoring form, the pair have been coming off the bench to grab late goal, though Martial’s five-minute cameo at weekend might be the deciding point.

Providing more dribbles than anyone on the pitch in that short space of time plus winning and scoring a penalty late on.

With no clear winner to cement the place down, the Frenchman will be looking to show the boss what he’s capable of over a longer period of time.

Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku’s goalscoring form looks like there’s no sign of letting up. Five goals in five appearances for the confident the Belgian, Southampton know they will have to pull out all the stops to put out Lukaku’s fire.

Spearheading the attack and with a host of playmaking forwards behind him, he’s looking as dangerous as ever.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic coming back at some point, he’ll feel that this early season is his chance to nail down that lone striker spot.