Premier League prediction: Lemina will be key to a Southampton shock result against Manchester United

LONDON — They haven’t done it again, have they? I think they might have done.

Yes, Southampton’s notoriously discerning scouting team appear to have unearthed another gem that’s going to shine for them, before at least doubling his value ahead of an inevitable move to one of the big boys.

The latest newbie I’m talking about is midfield maestro, Mario Lemina.

Tall, versatile, powerful, and ideal in a marauding box-to-box midfield role, this talented 24-year-old was so outstanding last weekend at Crystal Palace that he drew comparisons with the classy Andres Iniesta and Paul Pogba.

Not that those two are especially similar of course.

During his time at Juventus, Lemina was actually tipped to become the “next Pogba”, but the bleached-blond star never really got the chance to fill the Frenchman’s boots in Turin.

Keener on the excellent, bargain-tastic Blaise Matuidi, recruited on the cheap from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, the Old Lady opted to offload Lemina for a very reasonable £18 million (S$32.8 million) rather than stockpiling his potential.

Les Reed, Southampton’s head of football development, in trademark undercover style, was the first on the scene to shake on a deal before anyone else seemed to know he was available.

He’s good at that.

And if the Gabon international can repeat the levels of quality that radiated off his lean frame at Selhurst Park, it won’t be long before he’s linked with a £40 million or £50 million transfer.

For now though, all Southampton care about is how he improves their underperforming side.

Mauricio Pellegrino hasn’t exactly breathed roaring fire into the Saints since taking over from the super-dull Claude Puel, but if he hangs his hat on Lemina, building a new-look team around him, another respectable finish could be on the cards.

The players that Southampton have on their books should be finishing comfortably inside the top ten.

Lemina’s engine room battle with Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic on Saturday (Sept 23) will without a doubt be one of the duels of the weekend.

Since joining from Chelsea, the Serbian has effortlessly bossed the middle ground, but a triumvirate of Lemina, Oriel Romeu and Steven Davis will definitely keep him interested at St Mary’s.

The trio regained possession 33 times between them at Palace (with Lemina responsible for 15 of those turnovers) so Manchester United may be advised to take a wider berth, targeting the wings instead.

For most of this season Jose Mourinho’s side has strolled to success, with an off day at Stoke City the only blemish on their card.

The formbook says they’ll sock it to the Saints without needing third or fourth gear, but this is a fixture that has tripped up many a star turn in recent times. You can’t take liberties at St Mary’s.

This will probably be their most arduous test of the season so far, especially if Lemina and co fan out their feathers on home turf.

With Virgil van Dijk back on board too, it’s hard to see United experiencing a south coast cruise.

Prediction: Southampton 1 Manchester United 1

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About the author: Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of the English game. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for TODAY as well as several top football websites. Follow him on Twitter @adrianjclarke