Southampton vs. Manchester City: EPL Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

If Manchester City defeats already-relegated Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday afternoon, they will be closer to finishing in the top five of the Premier League.

Following a close 1-0 victory in the rematch at the Etihad Stadium in October of last year, thanks to an early strike from Erling Haaland, the Citizens are attempting to complete their sixth Premier League double against the Saints.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Southampton's 2-0 defeat at Leicester last weekend marked their 28th league loss, confirming a last-place Premier League finish. Another loss in their final three games would tie the top-flight record for most defeats (29) in a 20-team season.

The Saints have conceded 82 league goals, with only three worse seasons in their history. They also need a point to avoid equaling Derby's all-time low of 11 points in 2007–08. Interim boss Simon Rusk is still searching for a way to stop squandering leads — Southampton have dropped a league-high 28 points from winning positions this season.

The Saints have beaten Man City just once in their last 15 top-flight meetings — a 1-0 home win in July 2020.

Meanwhile, Man City are on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions and have won their last four in the league. Kevin De Bruyne's winner against Wolves the previous week lifted them to third, just three points off leaders Arsenal. With three games left, they aim to leapfrog Arsenal and secure a top-two finish in a tight race for next season's Champions League spots.

City will seek back-to-back away league wins for the first time since August. They're unbeaten in their last 29 league matches against teams starting the day bottom (W24 D5) and have won 12 straight away games at sides in that position by a 44-1 aggregate score. City have lost just three of their last 25 Premier League games against Southampton — all at St Mary's — and will look for a double over the Saints for the first time since 2014–15.

Southampton vs. Manchester City Team News

Paul Onuachu returned from an ankle injury last weekend and could start up front for Southampton ahead of Ross Stewart. Albert Gronbaek (Achilles) and Charlie Taylor (hip) remain sidelined.

Mateus Fernandes and Kamaldeen Sulemana are expected to keep their advanced roles, while Tyler Dibling may return as a substitute. Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Manning should feature as wing-backs, with Flynn Downes and Lesley Ugochukwu in midfield. Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to line up alongside Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens in defense.

Oscar Bobb (hamstring) and John Stones (thigh) are out for Man City, while Rodri and Nathan Ake have resumed training but won't be ready for Saturday. Erling Haaland is in contention after his ankle layoff and could start, supported by Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku.

Pep Guardiola must decide whether to start Kevin De Bruyne before his Etihad farewell on Tuesday or rotate in Phil Foden, James McAtee, or Nico Gonzalez. Manuel Akanji is fit again and could make his first appearance since February, potentially shifting Josko Gvardiol to left-back.

Our Predictions

Over 3.5 goals @ 1.90 on Sky247.ng

In recent weeks, confidence in Man City's team has soared, and Guardiola's Champions League contenders will be considered heavy favourites to win against a struggling Southampton team that has given up at least two goals in 14 of its last 18 league games.

The rematch ended in a low-scoring contest due to a combination of the Saints' tenacious defense and the Citizens' subpar play. Still, we are picking City to win handily this time to solidify their spot in the top five.

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