Manchester City will clash heads with Southampton at the Etihad on Saturday evening, hoping to pick up all three points on their home turf. The Citizens will be heading into the contest on the back of a thumping 6-3 victory over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, whereas the Saints recorded a 0-0 draw against West Ham United last week.
Pep Guardiola will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game. Ilkay Gundogan might get the nod over Bernardo Silva, whereas John Stones looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Southampton
Defence
Ederson Moraes will operate in between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Brazilian shot-stopper will be hoping to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
John Stones might replace Nathan Ake to form the centre-half partnership with Ruben Dias at the heart of City’s backline.
Joao Cancelo will start at the left-back position, whereas Kyle Walker will fill in on the other flank as the right-back. The full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Rodri might start in the holding midfield position and could be assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the home side’s back-four.
Ilkay Gundogan will slot into the central midfield role, whereas Kevin de Bruyne is expected to start in the attacking midfield position. The duo would be determined to set up some clear cut goal scoring chances for the front men.
Bernardo Silva will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could come on to make a cameo appearance in the second half.
Attack
Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing respectively.
Ferran Torres will lead the line for Manchester City this weekend. The Spain international will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet when he faces off against the Saints defence that has conceded four goals in their last three league matches.
Phil Foden will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the second forty-five minutes.
