Manchester City continue their bid for a third consecutive Premier League title with a home clash against Southampton at Etihad Stadium.
Victory would see Man City go top until Sunday evening at minimum, whilst Southampton can go 12th with a win if Bournemouth fail to win elsewhere.
Team News
Man City have no fresh injury concerns to report following their midweek win over Copenhagen, with Erling Haaland set to start after he was tactically substituted on Wednesday evening at half-time.
John Stones (hamstring), Kyle Walker (groin) and Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) remain absent.
Southampton could be without Adam Armstrong and Juan Larios as the pair struggle to shake off knocks, ahead of a game where the Saints look to bounce back from defeat against Everton last weekend.
Valentino Livramento (knee) and Romeo Lavia (muscle) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Man City have lost just one of their 12 Premier League clashes against Southampton played under Pep Guardiola (W8, D3, L1).
- Southampton have claimed just two points from their last 11 league visits to Man City (D2, L9).
- A draw here would mark the first time that three consecutive Premier League meetings between City and Southampton ended in draws since a three-match run between November 1994 – January 1996.
- Nine of Erling Haaland’s 14 league goals this season have been scored on his left foot.
- No Southampton player this season has been involved in more goals than Che Adams, who has scored twice and provided one assist.
Prediction
Following their ruthless dismantling of Manchester United in last weekend’s Manchester derby amidst second-half defensive sloppiness, City certainly struck back with another sublime performance but with better defending so it is hard to see their form halting here.
Southampton though held Pep Guardiola’s Citizens twice last season but with three consecutive defeats amidst series of wasted opportunities and poor marking, I do feel that they will need a stunning display just to stand any chance of a respectable result.
In fact, I just don’t see Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints achieving anything at the Etihad but they should try and take the game to City with clinical finishing, otherwise this will be an one-sided contest in my opinion if the hosts come roaring out of the blocks.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton
Result: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton
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