A solitary goal from Manolo Gabbiadini was enough for Southampton to push Swansea City into the drop zone earlier this week and thanks to their superior goal difference, The Saints are not too far away from cementing their place in the English top flight next season. They are in the 17th place in the points table, three points better off Swansea City, who play Stoke City in the final game of the season.
Southampton need a point from this game to ensure safety on their own accord but they welcome the Champions in Manchester City to St Mary’s to finish off the season. A loss can also keep The Saints safe as The Swans have to cover a nine-goal deficit to stand a chance. Mark Hughes will believe that his side can get something from this game and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Southampton are still without the services of Steven Davis and Jan Bednarek. Mario Lemina is nursing a thigh injury and may only make the bench this weekend. Maya Yoshida has served his suspension and is back for this tie.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Alex McCarthy has cemented his place under the bar this season for Southampton and should keep his place in the side for this crunch clash. He will be tested and needs to be helped out by a backline of Wesley Hoedt, Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida. Yoshida is just back from a suspension and will replace Bednarek, who suffered a concussion, in the backline for Southampton.
Midfield:
The Saints have a solid midfield partnership in Oriol Romeu and Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, both of who have stepped up their game recently. Both players need to be on their toes if they are to frustrate the Manchester giants.
They also have experienced fullbacks in Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares, who will start at right wing-back and left wing-back respectively, giving Manchester City a real test in this game.
Attack:
Charlie Austin has stared the last two games for Southampton and to decent effect. He will be the danger man for Manchester City in this game. Nathan Redmond did not last the whole game against Swansea but should be back on the left flank while Dusan Tadic will add some balance to the side on the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
