Man City return to domestic duties versus Southampton on Saturday fresh off another European victory in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s men put Sparta Prague to the sword and are favourites for a big win here against the Saints.
Match Preview
Man City Recent Form
City have won four games in a row in all competitions and are yet to taste defeat in 13 matches in the new campaign.
In that recent run they have beat Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague in the Champions League and Fulham and Wolves in the Premier League.
They beat Wolves 2-1 last time out domestically, but had to rely on an 95th minute winner from John Stones.
Man City Injury News
Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain long-term absentees for Guardiola, while Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker missed the Sparta Prague win so are doubts.
Nathan Ake is struggling to get to full fitness.
Last Man City Lineup
Here’s how Man City lined up against Sparta Prague.
Southampton Recent Form
The pressure is on for Russell Martin due to Southampton’s run of losses. Last week’s defeat against Leicester was particularly damaging as his team went two goals up only to lose 3-2 in the last minute.
The Saints have lost three in a row against the Foxes, Bournemouth and Arsenal and are one of four teams yet to taste victory in the Premier League this season.
Southampton Injury News
Gavin Bazunu is out until February after rupturing his Achilles tendon, while Ross Stewart is also missing.
Jack Stephens is suspended.
Last Southampton Lineup
Here’s how Southampton lined up against Leicester.
Man City vs Southampton – who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Tony Harrington
Assistants: Derek Eaton, Akil Howson
Fourth official: Sam Allison
VAR: David Coote
Assistant VAR: Simon Long
Man City – Player To Watch
Prior to the game midweek, Erling Haaland went three games without a goal and in the eyes of some pundits, that meant he was losing his touch. He silenced the doubters emphatically with a double against Sparta Prague.
Southampton – Player To Watch
Kyle Walker-Peters was outstanding for Southampton last week and played a hand in both goals, recording himself an assist for Joe Aribo’s goal to make it 2-0. He won’t have the same freedom here, but his lung-bursting runs forward from full-back may prove vital in taking the pressure off.
Man City vs Southampton – Prediction
When you need a win, your first of the season, the Etihad isn’t the place you want to go as Man City will simply have too much for Southampton, even if the Saints camp inside their own box like Wolves did last weekend.
Scoreline prediction – Man City 4-1 Southampton
Man City vs Southampton – Betting Tips
Man City to Win and Over 2.5 Goals Scored
– In six of Manchester City’s last six home games, there has been over two goals scored
– In five of Southampton’s last six away games, there has been over two goals scored
Erling Haaland to Score First
– Haaland has gone three Premier League games without scoring but back him to return to the scoresheet here against a fragile opposition defence
