Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: bet365
Manchester City endured a difficult time in December after losing three of their last four Premier League matches and will be looking to get back to winning ways and finish 2018 on a high at Southampton.
Southampton
Ralph Hasenhuttl has made a direct impact at Southampton after replacing Mark Hughes in the dugout at the beginning of December. The Austrian who last worked with RB Leipzig – and led them to second-place finish in the Bundesliga in his first season in charge – made an outstanding start to his life at St Marry’s.
The 51-year-old tactician took over a side sitting in 18th place in the table and went on to make an instant impression by inspiring Southampton to back-to-back victories in the league – against Arsenal and Huddersfield. The sense of hope was put to a halt last time out, however, as Saints endured a 2-1 home defeat at the hand of West Ham. Nathan Redmond did well to put hosts ahead early on in the second half but a Felipe Anderson brace turned the game on its head. Southampton will now be hoping to benefit from Manchester City’s sudden slump and continue their revival but will have little to hope for knowing that they lost eight of their last 10 matches against the Citizens.
Team News
Ralph Hasenhuttl will have Pierre-Emile Hojberg back at his disposal after suspension.
The in-form star Ryan Bertrand is a fitness doubt for Southampton due to a lower back pain.
Manchester City
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have endured an inexplicable dip in form over the past few weeks in December which resulted in three defeats over four last matches. Pep Guardiola managed to recover from a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea with a compelling 3-1 win over Everton earlier in December but back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and at Leicester last time out have put a serious dent in Citizen’s title defence.
Manchester City have been going strong in the league for the most part of the 2018/19 season up until December and will definitely be disappointed by the fact they were pushed back into the third place in the standings during the festive period. The Citizens are now seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool and face a daunting task of getting back into the title chase. Pep Guardiola’s men need to regroup at Saints who have been given fresh hope under Ralph Hasenhuttl in their relegation struggle and will have to battle against a serious selection headache in order to claim much-needed three points.
Team News
Vincent Kompany remains a selection doubt, while Eliaquim Mangala, Benjamin Mendy and Claudio Bravo remain long-term absentees.
Fabian Delph is suspended for the occasion while Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus’ involvement is under question as the Brazilian duo suffered a thigh injury and knock, respectively.
Key Factors to Consider
- Southampton lost 8 of their last 10 matches vs Man City
- Saints won only once at home thus far in the 2018/19 season
- Man City lost three of their last 4 matches in the Premier League
- Citizens kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 trips to St Marry’s
- Visitors could be without 7 first-team players for their trip to Southampton
Conclusion
Manchester City endured a difficult festive period and will not have been too satisfied with what Santa got them for Christmas this year. Having lost three of their last four matches, the Citizens will be determined to get back to winning ways and finish the year on a high against revitalising Saints.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: bet365
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