Manchester United have benefited from a split schedule over the last two weeks, but they are still looking for a first Premier League win since December 15.
A golden opportunity arrives on Thursday night after two morale-boosting results eased fears that Ruben Amorim would never be able to recover from THIS United's underperforming group of stars.
2-2 at Anfield and a penalty shootout win in Arsenal points to a team heading in the right direction, but much of their success under Amorim so far has come against superior opposition. Southampton, the worst team Premier League has to offer, so offer an alternative challenge.
These are the games United have been stuck in for years under many managers.
There's sure to be a few spins given the slog united it's over to the weekend and here's the team Amorim can pick on Thursday night.
GK: Andre Onana – Altay Bayindir was the man of the hour in the Emiratesbut Onana will take over the number one job again midweek. However, Bayindir's performance would put the Cameroonian in the spotlight.
CB: Leny Yoro – Matthijs de Ligt defended with comeback momentum on Sunday and could probably do it with a breather. Yoro is a great option and his ball work will be needed against a deep Southampton defence.
CB: Harry Maguire – Fear not, Harry, the video assistant referee will be on hand to assess any complaint on Thursday. Maguire has excelled in the bigs under Amorim, but his work in transition will be put to the test here.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – Martinez was struggling late in extra time, but he still rose to beat David Raya from 12 yards in the shootout. There is no suggestion that the Argentine will miss out through injury.
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui – The Morocco international has been a mainstay this season and has quickly become a favorite for the new manager. With United currently short of full-back options, unless Amorim wants to move Amad Diallo into the role again, Mazraoui should take the title.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte is a proper pest, with any limitations masked by industry and cunning. Man Utd fans have quickly warmed to him and he will be a key figure for the remainder of the season.
CM: Bruno Fernandes – United will look for passers and runners here, so Amorim can opt for an aggressive formation and pull off the right shape. Fernandes in the pivot of the midfield.
LWB: Tyrell Malacia – Diogo Dalot's suspension and Luke Shaw's absence means Malacia could make a rare appearance and an even rarer start on Thursday. We haven't seen the Dutchman in the Premier League since he was at United defeated 3-0 from Bournemouth three days before Christmas.
AM: Amad Diallo – Amad had a knock in Sunday's game but was fit enough for an extended appearance off the bench. Assuming he is 100%, the Ivory will be back in the team against Southampton.
AM: Alejandro Garnacho – After shutting down Fernandes' opening game on Sunday, Amorim is likely to stick with the lanky Argentine, who provides the runs needed at the back against a deep defence.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Zirkzee must be full of confidence after a tidy performance on Sunday was capped off with a penalty winner. With runners either side and Bruno supplying from deeper areas, the conditions are there for the Dutchman to thrive.