Manchester City vs Southampton: Positive team news for both sides ahead of Saturday

Southampton make the trip to face Manchester City for the second time in a week tomorrow and both sides have received some positive team news ahead of the game.

Ralph Hasenhuttl and Pep Guardiola both fielded weakened starting line-ups on Tuesday and both will be looking to get their strongest teams out on the pitch on Saturday.

For Saints, it appears that Cedric and Moussa Djenepo have returned to training, whilst Sofiane Boufal and Nathan Redmond have overcome slight knocks. City have no fresh concerns despite Angelino limping off in midweek.

In his pre-match press conference, Ralph Hasenhuttl said:

"“They trained today, the first time with the team. This is positive. Moussa was very very positive, immediately laughing on the pitch. He has such a positive nature, it’s fantastic. I’m happy that they are both back. It’s probably a little bit too early for the weekend because today was only a light session. But the game after they are an option, yes. Sofiane [Boufal] had a slight problem with his knee after the midweek game and Reddie [Nathan Redmond] also, but they are okay and are both options for the weekend."

One player that Saints will still be without is Ryan Bertrand, who is still serving his ban for a straight red card against Leicester City.

Without a ready-made replacement, this could see Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg play as a left wing-back; like he did in the cup game versus City in midweek.

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He could be part of a backline that will have to play with great discipline and work with their midfield to close down the spaces that City have to operate in.

Despite issues with injuries recently, Pep Guardiola confirmed that he has no fresh concerns for tomorrow.

This includes full-back Angelino, who Guardiola confirmed was suffering with cramp on Tuesday when he was substituted off.

Tomorrow will be a very mentally draining affair for Saints  and City will almost definitely dominate the ball, but they only need to look to last season for some more motivation.

Mark Hughes was still manager when Saints made the trip to the Etihad but a pitiful display from his side saw City stroll past them to an easy 6-1 win.

Focus will be needed and they will need to attack with speed when they get the chance, but recovering from their 9-0 loss and putting in a better showing than last season in Manchester will go some way to getting them back on track.