Manchester City have worked hard in their last few Premier League games, but the visit of winless Southampton should provide them with a more comfortable afternoon this Saturday.
After dropping points to Arsenal and Newcastle United, the reigning champions stumbled to a Victory by 3-2 at Fulham before needed a controversial header from John Stones in the 95th minute to secure the three points against bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
Injuries have made life more difficult for Pep Guardiola’s men, with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne the most notable absentees. However, even with a sick team, city would need a weekend win against Saints to make up for the points dropped in Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Liverpool.
Here’s how Guardiola could line up the Citzyzens at the Etihad Stadium.
GK: Ederson – The Brazilian was one of the few first-team players to get the night off in the 5-0 midweek win over Sparta Prague, but there is no doubt he will be back on Saturday. It shouldn’t be too busy though.
RB: Rico Lewis – With Kyle Walker injured, Lewis will see plenty of first-team football over the next few weeks. The flexible right-back will feature regularly in midfield on Saturday as Southampton sit deep and soak up the pressure.
CB: John Stones – With two goals in his last two outings and three throughout the season so far, Stones is proving to be reliable in both boxes. However, the city does not have one Premier League clean sheet from the opening weekend and will be looking to change that at home to one of the lowest scorers in the division.
CB: Rubén Dias – Dias spent much of the win over Sparta Prague resting on the bench and remains City’s most integral centre-back. He is likely to face the in-form Cameron Archer.
LB: Josko Guardiol Another first-team player who was only used off the bench against Sparta Prague, Guardiol has contributed some important goals for City in recent weeks. A stunner against Wolves added aa Beautiful attack against Newcastle at the end of September.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – The last time City played a Premier League game at home, Kovacic was the unlikely scorer of a brace in the win against Fulham. The importance of the midfielder has grown with the absence of Rodri.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – Matheus Nunes’ impressive display in midweek means Gundogan’s place as Kovacic’s partner is under threat. However, the German has the experience and quality to dismiss his teammate for now.
RW: Savinho – With Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish all sidelined, a natural winger is a luxury for Guardiola at the moment. Savinho has started brightly in sky blue, but he is yet to open his goal tally.
AM: Bernardo Silva – Seven out of ten consistent players each week, Guardiola knows exactly what Silva has to offer in both midfield and a wide role. The Portuguese has been the main creator with three assists and five big chances created in the Premier League.
LW: Phil Foden – After struggling with illness and fatigueFoden shows his form as a player for the 2023/24 Premier League season. The Stones’ late assist last weekend was followed by a well-taken goal in midweek.
ST: Erling Haaland – An outstanding acrobatic strike and typical Haaland finish secured a midweek double, ending the Norwegian’s two-game City goalless run. That’s a long stretch for him, and he hasn’t scored in the Premier League since draw with Arsenal.
