Southampton v. Manchester United - Preview

Southampton will be playing for their Premiership survival tomorrow as they play hosts to Manchester United, hoping they can swipe maximum points and other fixtures result in their favour.

The Saints are in a four-way relegation battle with Norwich, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace and three of the four clubs will not be playing top flight football next season.

There are just two points between West Brom, who are at the foot of the table, and Norwich, who are currently out of the dreaded trap-door by a single point.

United will be looking to cap off a terrible off-field week with a win as they prepare to perfect a squad for the FA Cup Final with Arsenal next Saturday.

Despite the absence of new England international Peter Crouch, Saints boss Harry Redknapp has stated his players must believe in themselves. "It's a massive game but we've been in decent form. We had a blip a few weeks ago but in main the form's been decent. But Crouchy is big loss for us.

"We have got to believe that we can get a result, that's the key.

"I think they all know what they are playing for, and how much it means to everybody.  

"You've got to be careful as I can't keep piling too much pressure on them. They've got to relax and play otherwise they'll get too uptight," he added. "So you've got to get the balance right." 

Henri Camara and Kevin Phillips are expected to lead the attack in Crouch's absence while David Prutton could make a return in midfield.

The Red Devils may be tempted to rest doubtful trio Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gary Neville ahead of their FA Cup Final next week. Gabriel Heinze is a major doubt with an ankle injury.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Southampton 2 - 2 Manchester United - Southampton are playing for their lives tomorrow and need a result much more than United. Some United players however need to stake a claim for a starting place at the Millennium Stadium.