Manchester City will return to the Etihad Stadium as strong favorites to extend their unbeaten Premier League run when they face a struggling Southampton side searching for their first win of the season. Pep Guardiola’s men narrowly escaped with a 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend, thanks to a late winner from John Stones, before cruising to a 5-0 victory in the Champions League against Sparta Prague. As they gear up for the next fixture, City will be confident of securing another three points against Russell Martin’s Saints, who are winless in their first eight games.
Southampton, on the other hand, have shown glimpses of quality in attack but remain fragile defensively. Their latest setback came in a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Leicester City, where they squandered a two-goal lead, allowing Jordan Ayew to score a stoppage-time winner for the Foxes. Southampton’s defensive struggles and failure to hold on to leads have put them under immense pressure ahead of their daunting trip to Manchester.
Manchester City vs Southampton Team News & Tactics
Manchester City City will be without several key players due to injuries. Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish are out with muscular issues, while Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Oscar Bobb remain sidelined. However, Guardiola has a deep squad at his disposal and can make changes to keep his side fresh.
In defense, Ruben Dias is likely to return to the starting lineup alongside John Stones, who has been in excellent form, scoring in back-to-back games. Josko Gvardiol is expected to start at left-back, while Rico Lewis will continue to deputize for the injured Walker at right-back. In midfield, Mateo Kovacic will anchor the side, while Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden will operate in advanced positions. Up front, Savinho is expected to play on the left wing, with Bernardo Silva on the right and Erling Haaland leading the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Gundogan, Savinho; Haaland
Southampton Southampton will be without suspended winger Ryan Fraser, while Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, and William Smallbone are sidelined with injuries. Yukinari Sugawara is also a doubt after being substituted against Leicester, though Jack Stephens is set to return after serving a suspension.
Russell Martin is likely to set his team up in a 3-5-2 formation. Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal, with a back three consisting of Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Manning will provide width as wing-backs, while Joe Aribo, Flynn Downes, and Matues Fernandes will form the midfield trio. Cameron Archer, who has been in decent form, will partner Dom Ballard in the attack.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Stephens, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis; Walker-Peters, Aribo, Downes, Fernandes, Manning; Archer, Ballard
Key Stats
- Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 31 Premier League matches.
- City have scored at least two goals in 16 of their last 17 Premier League games.
- Southampton are winless in their last 21 Premier League matches.
- Southampton have won just once in 14 Premier League meetings against Manchester City.
- Josko Gvardiol has been a standout away scorer for City, with five goals in his last seven away league appearances.
Player to Watch
Phil Foden
Foden is rediscovering his form after a slow start to the season. His assist for Stones’ winner against Wolves and a goal in midweek against Sparta Prague indicate he is getting sharper. With City’s injury concerns, Foden’s role will be even more crucial as he aims to influence games as he did last season. Against Southampton, he will be one of City’s key creative outlets.
Prediction
Manchester City 4-1 Southampton
How to Watch Manchester City vs Southampton
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
