Manchester City have won 12 of their last 16 meetings with Southampton, scoring exactly four in each of these last three victories, while the Saints are winless in 14 visits to the Etihad, losing 13 of them, their most-recent victory there coming in April 2004.
Manchester City vs Southampton Preview
If ever there has been a home-banker in the Premier League, it's surely this game, right? On Wednesday night, Manchester City smashed Sparta Prague 5-0 in the Champions League, with Erling Braut Håland bagging his customary brace, including a spectacular, acrobatic backwards scissor kick, rather overshadowing the other goals scored by Phil Foden, John Stones and Matheus Nunes.
This means Pep Guardiola's team are now unbeaten in 51 home matches across all competitions, winning 43 of them, as well as 31 Premier League games played anywhere, a new club-record. Although, the Sky Blues were rather fortunate to beat Wolves 2-1 at Molineux last Sunday, having to come from behind to do so, with Stones' controversial 95th minute header, only given following VAR review, required to pinch the points. The Citizens have fallen behind in five of their last seven league games, although they're unlikely to face much difficulty adding three more points to their tally here, leapfrogging leaders Liverpool for 24 hours at least.
That's because Southampton make the 203 mile journey north dejected, winless and increasingly set to go straight back down. Last weekend, the Saints were seemingly set to collect three points for the first time this season, 2-0 up and cruising at home to Leicester, with Cameron Archer and then Joe Aribo the scorers. They remained two up beyond the hour mark, but completely capitulated, Ryan Fraser's red card, that also gave away a penalty, not helping their cause, while Leicester's winner came in the 98th minute.
As a result, Russell Martin's team still have just one point to their name and even this should've been three, again conceding in stoppage time when Ipswich visited St Mary's in September. This is the Saints' worst start to any season for 26 years, facing Everton and then Wolves after this and, if they're still without a victory by then, it may be decided that Martin is no longer the man to take this team forward. Here though, given that Southampton have conceded exactly thrice in five of their last six Premier League outings, they'll do well to avoid a cricket score; is another 9-0 on the cards perhaps?
Manchester City vs Southampton Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 101.
- Manchester City Wins: 41. Draws: 27. Southampton Wins: 33.
Manchester City Team News
Pep Guardiola rotated his team against Sparta Prague in mid-week, with goalkeeper Ederson, Joško Gvardiol, Rúben Dias and Mateo Kovačić all set to return to the team. Neither Jack Grealish nor Jérémy Doku were even on the bench on Wednesday, with neither likely to be available for this one either. In better news, Nathan Aké started, which was his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury on international duty on 10 September. Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Oscar Bobb are all still out.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Southampton: (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol; Kovačić, Gündoğan, Silva, Foden, Savinho; Håland.
Manchester City Player to Watch vs Southampton
Erling Braut Håland has netted in both previous league meetings with Southampton, now seeking to avoid a first four-game Premier League goal draught since February.
Southampton Team News
Ryan Fraser's red card last weekend means he is suspended, while Ross Stewart is injured. Russell Martin has switched to a back five in recent weeks, but his team's shape is likely to resemble something closer to a back eight or nine for long periods of this one. Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis joined Man City as a six year old, making just eight first-team appearances before leaving permanently for £20 million this summer.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (5-4-1): Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Manning; Ugochukwu, Downes, Fernandes, Dibling; Archer.
Southampton Player to Watch vs Manchester City
Aaron Ramsdale has lost all seven previous Premier League meetings with Man City, conceding 16 goals. His tally of 23 saves so far this season sees Ramsdale ranked tenth, slightly lower than expected, although that tally is set to exponentially rise here.
Manchester City vs Southampton Prediction
Manchester City have won 17 of their last 20 Premier League home games played at 3 o'clock on a Saturday, a trend we're very much expecting to continue. So, to say we're forecasting a routine home win would be an understatement :Manchester City 5-0 Southampton.
Manchester City vs Southampton FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester City vs Southampton Premier League game on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Southampton Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Southampton Premier League game on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Southampton Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Southampton in the Premier League?
Manchester City vs Southampton takes place on Saturday 26 October 2024, with kick off at 15:00 (BST), 10:00 (ET) & 7:00 (PDT).