Manchester City will take on Claude Puel’s Southampton in the first game of Super Sunday. The Citizens have had a stunning start to life under Guardiola, but now have a mini-crisis to overcome from. After a 100% record at the beginning of the season, Guardiola’s side are winless in their last four games in all competitions. Their fall started with a 3-3 draw against Celtic in the Champions League. Then, a loss to Spurs, a draw against Everton and a 4-0 humiliation against Barcelona has put them in a serious trouble. The mini-crisis will definitely translate into a full one if City fail to beat the Saints.
Southampton have looked much improved in the last month after a difficult start to life under new boss Puel. However, they saw their seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions put to an end by Italian giants Inter Milan in the midweek. Southampton had a good game at San Siro but failed to take their chances and a late strike from Candreva handed de Boer’s side a much-needed win.
Team news
Manchester City
Guardiola has both his right-backs unavailable for the game. Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna both are out for the hosts who have been already missing Fabian Delph through injuries. Yaya Toure is unlikely to play any part in the game following his dispute with the manager. Sergio Aguero sat out on the bench against Barcelona and is expected to make his way back to the starting XI.
Southampton
Striker Shane Long will not be available after suffering a hamstring injury during Thursday’s defeat at Inter Milan. Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares are all major doubts for the game and will be subjected to late fitness tests. Nathan Redmond is likely to take his place back in the starting XI after being rested in the midweek.
Predicted lineups
Manchester City (3-5-1-1): Bravo; Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov; Sane, Gundogan, Fernandinho, Silva, Sterling; De Bruyne; Aguero
Southampton (4-3-3): Forster; Martina, van Dijk, Fonte, McQueen; Davis, Romeu, Hojbjerg; Tadic, Austin, Redmond
Key players
Manchester City- Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian superstar is the lynchpin of the Manchester City side. He is the one who makes things click for the Citizens with his creativity, passing ability, movement and vision.
Southampton- Charlie Austin
The English striker has notched up 7 goals from 10 games in all competitions this season. The 27-year-old can make Manchester City pay for their lacklustre defence if he gets the service from his teammates.
Odds
Manchester City win @4/9
Draw @15/4
Southampton win @7
