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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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Fear #1: More Injuries

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Dusan Tadic of Southampton lies injured during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Britannia Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Dusan Tadic of Southampton lies injured during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Britannia Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images) /

With two of the starting back-four and one of the backup wing-backs out injured, the Saints’ back line can only be described as depleted. The situation is just as dire up front, with Shane Long ruled out, Nathan Redmond doubtful, Charlie Austin in desperate need of rest and Sofiane Boufal perhaps not fully fit quite yet. Suffice it to say, a day without any more knocks could well be counted as a victory in and of itself in Claude Puel’s reckoning.

Related Story: Preview: Manchester City vs Southampton

Manchester City have racked up 19 yellow cards and 2 reds through all competitions so far this season. That’s a sign of a team that likes to play rough, physical football when it can, and on tired legs that could spell very bad news for Southampton.