Manchester City vs Southampton Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, October 26, 2024

Manchester City vs Southampton Preview

• Competition: Premier League.
• Date: Saturday, October 26.
• Time: 2:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City vs Southampton will be one of four games kicking off in the same slot on October 26 as the second-placed side gears up to host the team second from bottom in the Premier League table.

The Cityzens will enter this contest on the back of a strong run of form. They have won four and drawn one of their last five games across competitions and will have major confidence as they prepare to take on the Saints at home. However, Manchester City have conceded at least once in each of their last four Premier League matches and will be wary of repeating the same in the next one. They will draw confidence from their 5-0 thumping of Sparta Prague in their last match.

The Saints, on the other hand, will enter this game on the back of a woeful run of form. They have managed two draws and suffered three defeats in their last five outings across competitions. In that run, they have conceded 11 goals, but have scored at least once in each of those games – a statistic that they will draw some confidence from. Southampton are one of four teams yet to register a win in the league this season and will look to cause an upset.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Manchester City vs Southampton Team News

Manchester City Team News

The Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola will have a couple of injury concerns to address ahead of their next game. Kevin De Bruyne has returned to training but is yet to feature in a matchday squad, while Kyle Walker has missed the last two games through injury. Oscar Bobb is also likely to miss the next one, meaning Guardiola will stick with the same lineup that faced Wolves.

Southampton Team News

The Southampton manager Russell Martin will be forced into making a couple of changes at least for the next game. Yukinari Sugawara was subbed off with a knock in their last game and is doubtful, while his replacement Ryan Fraser was sent off for a rash foul and will miss the next game. Meanwhile, Jack Stephens will return to the lineup after serving his suspension.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Ederson.

Defenders: Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias (C), Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol.

Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva.

Forwards: Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland.

ALSO READ: Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, October 27, 2024

Southampton (4-5-1)

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale.

Defenders: Yukinari Sugawara, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters.

Midfielders: Tyler Dibling, Joe Aribo, Flynn Downes (C), Mateus Fernandes, Ryan Manning.

Forward: Cameron Archer.

Manchester City vs Southampton Head-to-Head Record

The recent head-to-head between these two teams favour Manchester City as they have won three of the last five meetings. Southampton have won one game in the EFL Cup last year, while the fifth one was a draw.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The Norwegian striker got back to scoring form with a brace against Sparta Prague in the last Champions League fixture. After going three games without a goal in the Premier League, Haaland will draw confidence from his midweek performance and will look to get back among the goals as he continues his quest for yet another Golden Boot.

Cameron Archer (Southampton)

Having come off the bench earlier in the season, Archer has impressed as he scored against Arsenal as well as in the last game against Leicester. Though the Saints lost both those games, his determination and knack of getting into good positions will help his team and he will look to bury any chances that he gets.

Manchester City vs Southampton Prediction

Going by recent head-to-head records and the form the two teams have been in, it is hard to look past Manchester City as comfortable winners of this game. They have conceded several goals of late and Southampton will fancy their chances, but the hosts have more than enough firepower to win.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-1 Southampton.

Where to watch Manchester City vs Southampton live?

ALSO READ: Everton vs Fulham Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, October 26, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)