Manchester City vs Southampton – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Manchester City welcome a struggling Southampton side to the Etihad Stadium as they look to extend their unbeaten run.

After a late comeback win over Wolves last weekend, Manchester City now boast the fourth longest undefeated streak in Premier League history with 31 games – but still have a long way to go if they are to usurp Arsenal’s record of 49 matches without defeat.

It will take a huge effort for Russell Martin’s Saints to defeat the champions considering the respective fortunes of the sides in recent years.

City have not tasted defeat in the league in over a year and Southampton have not won in the top-flight since March 2023.

City’s options on the flanks have taken a severe blow as Pep Guardiola confirmed that both Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku face a period on the sidelines.

Southampton winger Ryan Fraser will serve his one-match suspension after he was sent off last weekend in the game against Leicester City, whilst midfielder Will Smallbone and attacker Ross Stewart may be out until after the November international break due to muscular issues.

Manchester City vs Southampton – Match preview and team news

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Manchester City: DWWWW

Manchester City have won four consecutive games and remain the only Premier League club to have their unbeaten record still intact this season.

They have only dropped points against Newcastle United and Arsenal and have triumphed in every other fixture.

Pep Guardiola’s side did not break a sweat in the Champions League in midweek as they put five past Sparta Prague without reply.

Erling Haaland netted his 12th and 13th goals of the campaign, with his first goal almost defying the laws of the human anatomy.

The Norwegian stretched his leg to an almost improbable angle to execute an acrobatic backheeled effort that flew past Danish goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.

We are all running out of superlatives for the master marksman who is on course to break every scoring record.

Southampton: DDLLL

The Saints have only collected a solitary point from their opening eight games to sit 19th, above Wolves at the bottom on goal difference.

Russel Martin’s stubbornness with his tactical philosophy has hindered the Championship play-off winners as they have frequently made mistakes at the back while trying to play possession-based football.

Their lowest point came last weekend as they threw away a two-goal halftime lead to lose 3-2 at home to fellow promoted side Leicester City.

Jordan Ayew netted the winner in the eighth minute of additional time to break Southampton hearts and leave the Saints in a dire situation.

They need to pick up points and fast, but they travel to a team that has not lost in the Premier League since October 2023.

Last Meeting: Southampton 1-4 Manchester City, Premier League, 8th April 2023

It was a one-sided affair at St. Mary’s the last time the two sides came to blows as Manchester City dispatched Southampton.

The Citizens did not have to get into second gear and they led at the break through Erling Haaland’s close-range header.

The game followed a similar pattern after the interval as Jack Grealish doubled the advantage when he finished past Gavin Bazunu at the second time of asking, after the Irishman had saved his initial effort.

Pep Guardiola’s players were playing with fluidity and Haaland grabbed his second of the match in majestic fashion.

Grealish lofted a searching ball to the back post and the Norwegian connected with a scissor kick motion to finish past the Southampton goalkeeper.

The hosts pulled a goal back through Sekou Mara but the Frenchman’s goal had little impact on the result. Julian Alvarez secured the three points by converting a penalty for City’s fourth.

The two clubs would meet very different fates come the conclusion of the season. Manchester City ended up lifting the Premier League title, whilst Southampton were relegated into the Championship after a 10-year stay in England’s top-flight.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Ederson; Dias, Gvardiol, Stones; Lewis, Kovacic, Foden, Silva, Gundogan, Savinho; Haaland

Southampton: Ramsdale; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Dibling, Aribo, Downes, Ugochukwu, Manning; Archer

Who is the referee?

Tony Harrington will be the match official. He will be assisted by Derek Eaton and Akil Howson while Sam Allison will be the fourth official. The VAR is David Coote and he will be assisted by Simon Long.

What channel is Manchester City vs Southampton on?

Man City’s game against Southampton will not be available to watch in the United Kingdom.

What time is kick off?

Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be at 15:00 BST on Saturday 26th October 2024.

Odds

Manchester City – 1/10

Draw – 10/1

Southampton – 22/1

Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

See more – 5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶

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