Manchester City host Southampton for the second time in a matter of days on Saturday, after defeating them 3-1 in the League Cup. This game will be the Saints’ first league match since the 0-9 mauling at the hands of Leicester City from last weekend. Southampton haven’t won a game since 14th September when they had defeated Sheffield United.
City are the overwhelming favourites to win the game against Southampton tomorrow, while the Saints need a miraculous effort to upset the odds.
Let’s take a look at 3 key battles in the game between Manchester City and Southampton
Raheem Sterling vs Yan Valery
Raheem Sterling was rested for the midweek League Cup fixture, but he should return for the all-important Premier League assignment. Sterling has 7 goals in 9 appearances for City in the league this season and has been in excellent form, scoring four goals in the last two games in all competitions.
Sterling will be up against Southampton wing-back Yan Valery on Manchester City’s left side and could cause massive trouble to the Saints’ young wing-back with his pace, movement and positioning.
Kevin de Bruyne vs James Ward-Prowse
Another City player who has been in spectacular form this season is Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who has already racked up 9 assists and 2 goals in 9 appearances in the league this season. de Bruyne, too, was not involved in the mid-week clash as he was an unused substitute for City. He will see a lot of the ball against Southampton as the visitors are expected to sit deep and try to hit City on the counter, which will allow the City midfielders to dictate the tempo of the game.
The Belgian will most likely be up against Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who may be tasked with shadowing de Bruyne and not allowing him space to turn and run at the Saints defence.
Nathan Redmond vs John Stones
The only potent attacking threat for Southampton could be the pace and trickery of Nathan Redmond. Redmond could have the opportunity to cause trouble to City’s backline which has looked shaky on occasion this season.
Redmond could be used in the hole behind the striker or in a wide left role, which could be difficult to track for City’s defence. The best tactic for Southampton would be to isolate John Stones and try to put balls into Redmond’s path and allow him to run at City’s central defenders.