Manchester City v Southampton Betting Preview – City at 12/1 to dominate Saints

21/10/2016 | Categories: Football | Published by: AC

Manchester City v Southampton football betting preview

Updated: 08/06/2023

Manchester City v Southampton betting preview with correct score predictions.

With Keven De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling back, one can say that Manchester City are back to their full strength. What this could mean in their forthcoming mid-week clash against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League is a different matter. However when the Citizens return from Nou Camp to face Southampton back home at the Etihad in a Premier League tie, they are hoping to find their winning ways.

The Citizens' blazing start to the season got jarred rudely by a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham and a 1-1 draw to Everton, against whom they failed to capitalize on their overwhelming possession.

One of Guardiola's main problems has been that City have leaked at least one goal in every match they have played. In the absense of Vincent Kompany, the likes of Otamendi, Stones Clichy and Kolarov seemed to have lost cohesion. The giant Belgian was introduced towards the fag end of the match against Everton raising hopes among City fans that he would feature in the starting XI soon, after being out for over a year from various injuries.

Southampton have lost only two of their 8 Premier League games and look to be a team on the mend. But they need goals if they are to make something of Sunday's encounter.

Their tally of 10 goals is less than that of Crystal Palace, Watford and Bournemouth who are below Southampton at the 9th, 10th and 11th place of the EPL table.

Saints Defensive Qualities

The Saints will depend a lot on the finishing skills of Charles Austin, who has accounted for half of the side's goals scored this season. Nathan Redmond and Jay Rodriguez are two players upfront who could chip in and cause anxiety to the City defenders. Cuco Martina, Matt Targett, Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk have been very effective at the back. Ben Foster's goalkeeping has been superb of late. This has translated into the conceding of just seven goals which is the third-lowest of all Premier League teams this season.

Manchester City will be hoping to take three points from the Sunday clash and maintain their position at the top of the table. The Saints would want to go at least a notch up from the 8th spot they are in right now.

The Citizens would also be wanting to settle scores after their 2-4 loss to the visitors at the St. Mary's stadium earlier in March 2016.

Although there could be the thin possibility that the match may throw up a few surprises, bookmakers have put their money on a Manchester City win at the Etihad on October 23, Sunday.