The best Southampton lineup to keep a clean-sheet against Manchester City

Defence

Following another comeback defeat that included three second half goals, manager Russell Martin is expected to make some big defensive changes in the starting lineup. First of all, at the left-back position, Charlie Taylor should be started instead of the more versatile defender Ryan Manning.

This is due to the fact that Jeremy Doku and Savinho are great dribblers on the right-wing and could create plenty of spaces for Erling Haaland and Phil Foden near the box. Hence, having a more defensive-oriented fullback such as Charlie Taylor can help the Saints to avoiding conceding a lot of early goals in the first half.

Although Jack Stephens is available for this match, centre-back Jan Bednarek will again start alongside former Manchester City academy graduate Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who will face his former side for the first time since joining the Saints. Moreover, the England U21 captain will be tasked to keep Premier League Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland from scoring, thus, Harwood-Bellis will have to play an important role for Russell Martin's side in their aim of taking a point from this match.

Martin should start Southampton’s star fullback Kyle Walker-Peters on the right-back position if Sugawara doesn't fully recovers from his injury. The 27-year-old has mostly played at left-back and centre-back this season, and could now return to his preferred right-sided defender role.

Moreover, Martin can decide to bring Sugawara as a second-half substitute to give him some playing time before the upcoming must-win matches against Wolves and Everton.