Manchester City vs. Southampton: Saints in need of a result against Premier League champions!
By Edward Waugh
Mark Hughes returns to the Etihad Stadium, having managed City ten years prior to this weekend’s match-up to which his current side will be looking to cause an upset, with Saints desperately looking for a win after a poor run of results.
In fact, with the Saints having only won one game so far this campaign, to expect even a draw against a record-breaking City side on their home turf could be seen as optimistic – this is trying to be realistic about the current situation the club finds itself in.
Despite this, Hughes’ side have kept two back-to-back clean sheets against a very attacking Bournemouth side and struggling Newcastle last weekend – and therefore if Saints are to come away with any form of result against the Citizens, then pushing for a third might be the way to go, of course though this is a lot easier said than done.
The introduction of Jack Stephens to the starting line-up seems to have sorted out a few of a defensive issues that Southampton had up until recent despite the form of goalkeeper Alex McCarthy also being a big factor in preventing conceding a goal in over 180 minutes of top-flight football.
Their opposition this weekend Manchester City however, possess an array of attacking fire-power that could easily breach any Premier League’s defence and not just Southampton’s.
Not to mention, an undisputed world-class coach in Pep Guardiola who is tactically sound and is an extremely good reader of the game, the Saints do without doubt have quite some job on their hands this weekend.
Given the competitiveness at the top of Premier League at the moment, City won’t be taking this game lightly – attempting to keep their unbeaten streak going to stay at the top of league and put clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea in a position where they have to repeat said results.
Why Southampton Will Win
Mentioned above, Hughes will be looking to get his second win of the campaign, and is without a doubt under pressure from the Southampton fans to get a result sooner rather than later – especially after drawing to Newcastle at home last week, which was considered a ‘must win’.
The return of the highly influential Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for selection is a big bonus for Southampton, the Danish-international has been a stand-out performer in a ‘red and white’ shirt so far this campaign, with his enthusiasm and drive being a spearhead to pushing the side in the right direction.
Despite the depth of their squad, and the fire-power that they possess, City are likely to be without Kevin De Bruyne this weekend after he sustained his second injury of the campaign – the Belgian midfielder was City’s stand out player last campaign and if playing, would have the ability to dismantle a defensive set-up – which Saints are likely to utilise.
Why Manchester City Will Win
Despite the mentioned De Bruyne, City manager Guardiola has an array of talent who can fill the vacant midfield spot in the likes of David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, the latter enjoying a very successful campaign thus far.
City’s goal difference of +24, having scored 27 goals and conceding three would state how incredibly immense they have been so far this campaign – this also means they are the team to concede the least, and have the most clean sheets with seven, and are also the league’s top scorers.
Sergio Aguero sits third in the Premier League top-scorers with six goals so far this campaign, whilst left-back Benjamin Mendy is tied-top of the assists chart with five and signals the attacking quality that City posses is all areas of the pitch.
Predicted Line-ups
Southampton
Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Jack Stephens, Wesley Hoedt, Cedric Soares
Midfielders: Nathan Redmond, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Mario Lemina, Oriol Romeu, Mohamed Elyounoussi
Attackers: Danny Ings
Manchester City
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Benjamin Mendy, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Fernandinho, David Silva, Bernardo Silva
Attackers: Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, Riyad Mahrez
Prediction
Southampton 1-1 Manchester City