Southampton face a tricky Premier League encounter as Manchester City visit St Mary’s Stadium.
Victory would see Southampton go tenth until Sunday afternoon, whereas Man City can move 14 points clear of second-placed Liverpool with a win at the top of the Premier League.
Team News
Theo Walcott and Mohamed Elyounoussi could return for Southampton after recovering from Coronavirus.
Alex McCarthy (thigh), Will Smallbone (calf), Valentino Livramento (knee) and Moussa Djenepo (international duty) remain absent.
Man City could welcome Riyad Mahrez back from international duty after Algeria were knocked out of Africa Cup of Nations in midweek.
Nathan Ake, Cole Palmer (both unspecified) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (knock) are doubtful but Liam Delap (ankle) and Benjamin Mendy (personal) are still ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Southampton have claimed four points from their last five league meetings against Man City (W1, D1, L3).
- Man City have won four of their last five visits to St Mary’s Stadium (W4, L1).
- Three of Southampton’s last four home matches against City have finished 1-0 with the Saints winning one of those three particular clashes to City’s two wins.
- Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse is the only player this season to have scored from more than one free-kick so far this season.
- Four of Kevin De Bruyne’s six league goals for Man City this season have been scored on his left foot compared to just the single left-footed goal last season.
Prediction
Southampton come into this match off the back of a tough defeat at Wolves last weekend where they were just clinically outplayed despite matching their hosts in attack, whilst their defending was scrappy at times which also played a part in their defeat.
Man City meanwhile slowly grew into the first half of their eventual home win over Chelsea after initial defending, yet were able to dominate despite often poorly executing their chances in attack but their pressing and work rate was especially crucial to the result.
This game though feels like it should be an one-sided game if City get on the front foot quickly because Southampton’s defence is a huge question mark, otherwise this could get competitive if Southampton are clinical and score first.
Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Manchester City
Result: Southampton 1-1 Manchester City
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