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Manchester City vs. Southampton FC
After kicking off their Champions League campaign during the week, English champions Manchester City return to everyday action in the Premier League. They host Ralph Hasenhüttl-coached Southampton FC at the Etihad on Saturday at 4pm. This away trip has been one to forget for the Saints of late, with Southampton suffering three defeats and conceding 13 goals in their last three encounters at City. Find out whether we expect a similarly clear-cut affair this time around in our Man City vs Southampton tip.
The Citizens have bounced back from a poor first few games and have won four games in a row. In the league, City have nine points from four games, which currently means fifth place. The gap to leaders and city rivals United, however, is only one point. The Saints, on the other hand, have had a rather weak start to the season and are still waiting for their first three points in the league. Against the reigning champions, however, this will be a mammoth task.
Man City -Southampton Info
– Date & Time: 18/09/2021, at 16:00.
– Venue: Manchester, Etihad Stadium (up to 55,000 spectators).
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 5
– TV coverage: Sky
Man City Form & Balance Check
The first two competitive games of the new season went very badly for City. Pep Guardiola’s team lost their first title of the new season in the Community Shield when Leicester City scored a late penalty to win the final 1-0. They also lost their first league match against Tottenham 1-0, with Son’s goal enough for Spurs to win. Since then, however, Man City have won three league games in a row with a goal difference of 11-0. They also got their Champions League campaign off to a flying start with a 6-3 win over RB Leipzig.
Grealish and Torres settle down
City have only made one big transfer this season, but it seems to be paying off already. Jack Grealish arrived from Aston Villa for a whopping €117.5 million, has slotted straight into the starting eleven and scored his second goal for his new employers against Leipzig. In addition, a newcomer from last summer is becoming increasingly important. After the departure of Sergio Aguero and the failed transfers of Kane and Ronaldo, the skilled winger Ferran Torres is needed in the centre of the attack, where he has been allowed to start in each of the six competitive games so far.
Man City facts & analysis
– 9 points from 4 league games.
– Last 6:3 win against Leipzig
– Last 3 league games: 3 wins, 11:0 goals
Southampton form & balance check
The Saints are not really getting going yet. They lost 3-1 against Everton in their opener, and since then Southampton have only drawn. Against Manchester United, Newcastle and West Ham they could not get more than a point. The first win is still a long time coming, which is why the Saints are back in the same league as last year. It is unlikely that Southampton will get their first win against City, but they would probably be happy with a point.
Moved regulars noticeably absent
One reason for the Saints’ dip in form could be the departures of several regulars. First and foremost, the loss of Danny Ings hurts, the goal scorer who moved to Aston Villa scored twelve goals last season. But Vestergaard, Lemina and Bertrand were also experienced and important parts of the team. As replacements, Southampton have spent over €40 million on four U24 players, all of whom join the Saints with no Premier League experience. Only the transfer of Theo Walcott on a free transfer brings an England veteran to Southampton.
Southampton Facts & Analysis
– 3 points from 4 league games.
– Last 0:0 against West Ham
– Still winless in the league
Predicted line-up – last update on 16 September 2021
For the Citizens, the starting eleven is difficult to predict. Defensively, Walker is likely to come in for Zinchenko and Cancelo will defend on the left, Ake could get another chance given the injuries to Stones and Laporte. On the offensive side, there is plenty of choice as always. De Bruyne might not be ready for two starting eleven appearances in a row after his lengthy injury lay-off, but Foden is likely to make his comeback in the first eleven. Other options include Fernandinho, Mahrez, Sterling and Jesus.
The Saints will continue to operate in their usual 4-4-2 this season, with Walker-Peters another option in the back four, while Redmond could alternatively start offensively.
Man City -Southampton direct comparison & stats
In the history of Manchester City and Southampton FC there have already been 74 direct duels. 70 of them took place in the Premier League, the remaining four in the English cup competitions. Overall, the balance is more even than one might initially expect. The Citizens’ 31 victories are offset by 24 wins for the Saints, while 19 matches ended in draws. Last season, however, City won both matches.
– The most common result between Manchester City and Southampton FC is 2-1 when Manchester City had home advantage. 4 games ended like this.
– The average number of goals in the first half in matches between Manchester City and Southampton FC is 1.8.
– In front of their home crowd, Manchester City have a proud record of 12 games without defeat against Southampton FC. Southampton FC’s last away win at Manchester City was in 2004.
– On average Manchester City score 2.2 goals against Southampton FC and Southampton FC score 1 goals against Manchester City.
– The average goals scored in a Manchester City vs Southampton FC clash is 3.2.
– Last season Manchester City won both matches against Southampton FC (5-2 at home and 1-0 away).
