With two wins from their last five games, Southampton (W2, L3) have improved somewhat after their managerial change, and enter the round three points above the relegation zone. Yet with a day’s rest less than City, they are already at a disadvantage against an opponent they have lost the last four straight H2Hs.
Though hard to beat at home, Southampton top the league in terms of home draws and have a joint-low of home league victories (W1, D5, L3). Still, they’ve now found the net in four straight home matches, with the ‘Saints’ also getting four points from two fixtures against teams in the current top six this winter.
City, meanwhile, have endured a swing of nine points against them which leaves them a massive seven points off the top. Three defeats in four matches is the team’s worst run of form in three seasons, and they’ve not kept a clean sheet in nine matches across all competitions.
Away from home, they’ve conceded two goals in two straight matches, after conceding just two goals in their first seven. Yet for all their defensive faults, it is worth noting that City have scored no less than 27 times against Southampton in the last ten matches, winning eight of those (W8, D1, L1).
Players to watch: Sergio Agüero scored in the reverse fixture, and has eight PL goals in 15 matches.Danny Ings, meanwhile, has been effective for Southampton lately, and has three goals in the last three rounds of PL action.
Stat attack: Both teams have scored in eight of Southampton’s last nine PL matches.
Southampton have averaged close to three yellow cards (2.86) from their last eight home league matches.
City have scored first in four of the last five H2H meetings with Southampton, but five of the last seven have seen both teams score.
Will not play
Obafemi M.
(Knock)
Bravo C.
(Achilles Tendon Injury)
De Bruyne K.
(Injury)
Delph F.
(Red Card)
Mangala E.
(Knee Injury)
Mendy B.
(Knee Injury)
Questionable
Bertrand R.
(Lower Back Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Tierney P. (Eng),
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium (Southampton)
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