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Southampton vs Manchester City: 2 Fears, 1 Hope

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Sam Vokes of Burnley scores their first goal from the penalty spot past goalkeeper Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Sam Vokes of Burnley scores their first goal from the penalty spot past goalkeeper Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Southampton head to the Etihad tomorrow as underdogs despite a good recent run of form. Will it keep up, or are the Saints overdue for a reality check?

With just under a quarter of the season played, we approach that time of year where the true contenders are separated from the flash-in-the-pan pretenders. Sitting on an impressive run of form, Southampton will look to show itself a true contender for top-6 with a statement win over Manchester City. The Saints have done well so far this season but have only one point from a top-half club, their opening-day draw versus Watford at home.

To establish themselves at the top of the table Southampton will need to prove it can play with the big guns and come home with results. With the club on a good run of form since a 2-1 loss to Arsenal, the Saints have much to hope for—but also reason for caution, as their European and domestic cup campaigns wear on and take their toll on the side. We’ve picked out two big things the Saints will need to watch out for in tomorrow’s action, as well as one reason for fans to have hope against the long odds.

Fear #2: A Blowout Loss

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 16: Sam Vokes of Burnley scores their first goal from the penalty spot past goalkeeper Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 16: Sam Vokes of Burnley scores their first goal from the penalty spot past goalkeeper Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

It is one thing to lose a match by a slim margin, as Southampton did versus Inter Milan last week. It is quite another to be soundly beaten and overall outplayed. So far, this fate hasn’t befallen the Saints this season, barring perhaps a 2-0 loss to City’s neighbours Manchester United that saw one goal come on a penalty and the other on a Zlatan Ibrahimovic volley.

If there’s any club in the Premiership that’s apt to administer thrashings this season, it’s Manchester City. Despite holding a game in hand against current leaders Arsenal and Liverpool, the Citizens still hold the League’s greatest goal difference at +11. This is not a team that wins by squeaking out 1-0 victories; when they score, they score in droves. With Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero in full service, the possibility of getting blown out is there, and one has to fear for the repercussions on Southampton’s surging confidence and form if this were to come to pass.