Manchester City vs Southampton Preview
- City to win
- City to keep clean sheet
Manchester City continued their impressive start to the 2024/25 season with a resounding 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague in midweek UEFA Champions League action.
That result extended their winning streak to four matches across all competitions, while a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Wolves last weekend saw the reigning Premier League champions remain unbeaten domestically.
Now, Pep Guardiola’s men return to the Etihad Stadium to build on their remarkable 31-match unbeaten Premier League run, the longest in the club’s history.
Manchester City’s Dominance
City’s confidence will be high as they take on a struggling Southampton side. Over the last 14 Premier League meetings between these two teams, City have suffered just one defeat (W10, D3), and the Citizens have shown incredible resilience this season by collecting 13 points from losing positions, more than any other team after eight matches in Premier League history.
With City’s prolific form and ability to recover from setbacks, they’ll be aiming to add another three points and extend their dominance at the top of the table.
Southampton’s Struggles
In contrast, Southampton have endured a dismal return to the Premier League. Despite leading 2-0 against fellow strugglers Leicester City in their last outing, the Saints collapsed to a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in the 98th minute.
That result left them winless after eight matches (D1, L7) and extended their overall top-flight winless streak to 21 matches (D5, L16), the longest in the club’s history.
Southampton manager Russell Martin is under mounting pressure, and with only one Premier League manager ever picking up fewer points than his single point across the opening eight matches, the odds appear stacked against him.
Facing the formidable Manchester City away is arguably the toughest task, and another heavy defeat could further amplify the calls for change.
Players to Watch
John Stones (Manchester City): The versatile defender has found his scoring boots, netting in consecutive matches for the first time in his career. Stones’ newfound goal threat will add another dimension to City’s attack, complementing their usual offensive stars.
Cameron Archer (Southampton): The young forward has been one of the few bright spots for Southampton this season, scoring multiple goals in the Premier League. Notably, each of his last five goals in the competition has opened the scoring, so if the Saints are to stun City, Archer will likely play a crucial role.
Prediction
Manchester City are in relentless form, while Southampton’s struggles continue to mount. The gap in quality and confidence between the two sides suggests that City will control this match and potentially secure a comfortable victory.
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Man City v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League