Prediction: Manchester City vs Southampton

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/14

Bookmaker: bet365

Following an entertaining series of midweek encounters in the Carabao Cup, it’s time to get right back into the swing of things in the Premier League. With another international break being just a few short weeks away, now is the time for teams to really assert their authority and go into this break with some momentum. The game we’re going to be taking a look at today is Manchester City vs Southampton which, in many ways, is about as close to a David vs Goliath clash as you can get in this division.

Manchester City

City aren’t going to shy away from the fact that they have high expectations set out for them this season, and neither should they. There’s an excellent chance that they’re going to win multiple trophies, with many tipping them to go all the way and capture the quadruple. Regardless of what you may or may not be expecting to happen, though, one thing is for sure: they’re still one of the scariest teams in world football, and a loss here and there isn’t going to change that.

Team News

Angelino is unlikely to make the squad after picking up a knock, with De Bruyne and David Silva being set to return to the squad. Fernandinho is also available after serving his suspension.

Southampton

The humiliation at the hands of Leicester City last week really knocked this team for six – or, nine, if you want to be a bit more specific. The Saints are in desperate need of salvation, but they just don’t seem to have enough quality within their squad to force their way out of the current situation they find themselves in. There are a few questionable sides down towards the bottom of the Premier League table right now, though, so they shouldn’t give up hope just yet – this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Team News

Bertrand will be suspended for this one with Djenepo and Soares being ruled out due to injury. Hasenhuttl is set to put his trust in some of the players that put up a fight against City in the cup.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting earlier this week, Man City beat Southampton 3-1 in the Carabao Cup.
• Man City have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Southampton have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Man City have scored 15 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Southampton have scored eight goals and conceded 19 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Southampton are against the ropes, and Manchester City aren’t the sort of side that you can face twice in a week and expect to leave without any serious issues. We’re anticipating that Pep Guardiola’s men are going to come right at the Saints, as you’d probably expect, establishing an early lead in the process to put any lingering doubts to rest. City are chasing Liverpool down with quite a lot of force right now and we aren’t expecting that to change any time soon.

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/14

Bookmaker: bet365