Southampton vs Manchester City Prediction: The City train isn’t slowing down

Manchester City are hitting form at the right time as they bid to secure Uefa Champions League football for next season. The Citizens have endured a disappointing campaign by their standards but many are expecting them to be back to their ruthless best after a summer rebuild. They travel to relegated Southampton on Saturday (15:00) in the Premier League.

The Saints have lost nine of their last 11 games in the top flight as the fans are desperate for this forgettable campaign to end. Below you will find my Southampton vs Manchester City predictions, alongside the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News 

Albert Gronbaek (Achilles) and Charlie Taylor (hip) are both ruled out for Southampton, while Gavin Bazunu (meniscus) and Juan Larios (fitness) are also unavailable for selection.

After losing to fellow relegated side Leicester City last weekend, interim boss Simon Rusk may be tempted to make a few changes for the visit of Man City. Paul Onuachu or Cameron Archer could come in to replace Ross Stewart up front, while Joe Aribo, Will Smallbone and Tyler Dibling are others who might be hungry for some more minutes.

Man City are without Rodri (ACL), who is unlikely to feature again until the 2025/26 season. Nathan Ake (foot) and John Stones (thigh) are also in the medical bay for the Citizens.

Erling Haaland was a surprise selection on the bench in the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 2 and he could be set for his first minutes since March 30 at St Mary's.

The forward was the sole goalscorer in the reverse fixture at the Etihad back in October. Kevin De Bruyne was the match-winner against Wolves last time out and he may keep his place in midfield as his chapter as a City player draws to a close.

Southampton vs Manchester City Odds

Southampton have won just two of their 35 matches in the league this term so the bookies are giving them a 12/1 chance of ending City's winning streak.

The Saints have drawn two of their past six matches in the top flight and the stalemate is marketed at 6/1.

City are 1/6 to come away with the three points. Backing them to win to nil is attractive at 21/20 (which has an implied probability of 48.8%) as they have recorded clean sheets in five of their previous seven victories.

Man City to win to nil @ 21/20

City's form has been so strong in recent weeks that there is a genuine possibility that they finish above Arsenal in second. Pep Guardiola's side have won five of their last six, including four on the trot heading into Saturday and they are up against one of the worst teams to ever grace the Premier League.

Southampton have managed just 11 points across 35 matches this term while conceding 82 goals in the process. The Saints' fate has been sealed for a while and they have nothing but pride to play for, but recent performances suggest they are desperate to get to the finish line as quickly as possible.

They will dread having to face a resurgent City side who are battling to secure their place in the Champions League. The Citizens look to be hitting form at the right time as the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have all dropped points in recent weeks.

City head to the South Coast in high spirits and I think they can rack up another win to nil, which has been the case in five of their last seven victories in the top flight.

Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer @ 4/9

Haaland could be set for a return to action for St Mary's, which will provide Man City with a big boost for the final weeks of the campaign. The Norwegian goalscoring sensation has missed over a month of matches due to an ankle injury but he returned to the bench at Wolves on May 2.

The striker has bagged 21 goals in the league this term, including one against Saturday's opponents in a 1-0 victory at the Etihad back in October. Haaland has a good record against the Saints, having netted four goals in as many games against them.

Whether he starts or makes an appearance from the bench, I believe he can have an impact in this match against the team with the worst defensive record in the division (82 goals conceded).

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