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Southampton FC vs. Manchester City
With the match Southampton – Man City two of the longest serving coaches in the Premier League meet. On the home side is Austrian Ralph Hasenhüttl, who has been on the Saints sidelines for roughly three and a half years. In contrast, Spaniard Pep Guardiola has been with the Cityzens for over half a decade. In that time he has won title after title. On Saturday, they meet for a showdown at Southampton. Kick-off for this encounter is at 18:30. Here with us you get a Southampton – Man City tip for this clash. This will give you everything you need to fill out a good betting slip.
The Skyblues from Manchester are once again the measure of all things in English club football this season. With 56 points, they are already eleven points ahead of Liverpool FC, who are in second place. In contrast, Southampton are in the grey midfield of the table. With 24 points, they are eleven away from a relegation place, but also nine away from international business.
Southampton – Man City info
– Date & Time: 22/01/2022 at 18:30.
– Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 23
– TV broadcast: Sky
Southampton Form & Balance Check
If you had to pick one club in the English Premier League that best fits the grey mouse metaphor, it would probably be Southampton. Year after year they are in mid-table without making a big splash during the season. They are never deep in the relegation battle, but they are not fighting for the international places either. The small double-digit places are where the Saints feel comfortable. And that’s where you’ll find them this season too. With 24 points at the moment, they are in twelfth place in the table. Far away from the relegation battle, but also relatively far away from the European places. This means that they are in no way under pressure to succeed. They probably didn’t fancy many points in the clash with City anyway.
Home strong against the Skyblues
Admittedly, they have never picked up very many points against Manchester City in recent years. Nevertheless, there can be talk of a little home strength. While the Citizens regularly beat up smaller opponents with 0:5 or even higher even in their own stadium, the Saints have always been able to fight back a bit on their own green. From the last ten home games against City, they have only suffered five defeats. There have also been a remarkable three victories. Moreover, the highest defeat in that period was a 0-3, which is very mild by Man City standards. That should give all Saints supporters reason to hope.
Southampton facts & analysis
– In the middle of the table
– Not in danger of relegation
– Relatively stable in last 10 home games against City
Man City form & balance check
What more can we say about Manchester City? They have dominated English football for years. They are currently on course to win their fourth championship in five years. On top of that, they have the best defence in the league. In 22 games, goalkeeper Ederson has only had to make 13 saves. That’s an average of only 0.6 goals conceded. They also have one of the strongest offensives. Only Liverpool FC have scored a meagre goal more. Thus, the Citizens belong to the superlatives in virtually all disciplines. In the upcoming clash with Southampton, they have another chance to extend their lead over the rest of the Premier League. Theoretically, they could allow themselves more than one slip-up, but perfectionist Pep Guardiola will do everything in his power to prevent that from happening.
Fifa World Cup 2021
Manchester City have been one of the best teams in the world for years. As a result, the players’ ears are always pricked up at awards ceremonies. This year, the top-tier prizes like the Ballon d’or or the World Player of the Year once again failed to materialise. Nevertheless, two players of the Skyblues were honoured. Namely, defender Ruben Dias and offensive artist Kevin de Bruyne made it into the Fifa World Selection. For Pep Guardiola’s taste, several of his professionals would have thoroughly deserved it, but perhaps we’ll see several Citizens on the stage next year.
Man City facts & analysis
– Top of the table again
– Already eleven points clear of Liverpool
– Best defence in the league
– Second best offense in the league
Predicted line-up – last update on 21 January 2022
Manchester City will be without a true centre-forward, as they almost always are this season. We also think Ruben Dias will return to the Skyblues’ back 4. Otherwise, Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gündogan would be other options for a starting eleven. Riyad Mahrez continues to miss out as he is in the Africa Cup. Southampton’s starting eleven will not change much. Che Adams, at the most, could move into the first eleven. Otherwise, Ralph Hasenhüttl has no compulsion to change anything.
Southampton – Man City direct comparison & stats
As mentioned earlier, Southampton have a fairly stable home record against Manchester City. From the past ten games, they have managed to pick up three wins and two draws at home. In addition, the highest defeat in this period was a 0:3, which is still very acceptable against City. In the first leg, Southampton managed a 0-0 draw against City. However, the Saints have not managed to remain unbeaten in both games of a season against the Citizens since 2002/03.
– First leg ended 0-0
Southampton have not been unbeaten in both matches since 02/03.
– Saints’ home record against City is quite reasonable
– Lost only five of last ten duels at home (3S, 2U, 5N)
