Southampton suffered their fourth defeat in the midweek, when they lost 2-3 at the hands of Aston Villa. It was incidentally their first defeat at home but most worryingly, it was their third consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
Defeats at the hand of Arsenal and Chelsea are still acceptable, but following their loss against the Villans, many predicted that the bubble is probably bursting for the Saints. Still, they are 8th in the table, with 22 points and just 5 points behind fourth placed Liverpool.
The Saints haven’t lost four games in a row since the start of last season and should be looking to provide a strong challenge to Manuel Pellegrini’s free-scoring Manchester City side that have won their last four games in all competitions. City are 3/4 with Ladbrokes to win the game at St. Mary’s on Saturday.
City’s home form is terrific (7 wins out of 7) in the league but it is the away record which they must improve. With only 2 victories from 7 away games, Pellegrini knows the importance of picking up full points away from home to boost the confidence in the team and keeping the momentum going as well.
Argentine striker Sergio Aguero has been firing all cylinders this season. He scored 17 goals in all competitions, 11 in the league only and is at 3/1 with Ladbrokes to score the opening goal of the match.
Team News:
Gastom Ramirez is ill while Victor Wanyama and Nathaniel Clyne suffered knocks in the last match. Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is struggling with a groin injury while Artur Boruc (hand), Kelvin Davis (back) and Guly do Prado (knee) are unavailable too.
Joleon Lescott will get another chance in absence of Matija Nastasic, who is struggling with a calf injury. Also, David Silva and Stevan Jovetic could miss out with calf injuries as well.
Manchester City Likely Line-Up:
Pellegrini will start with Negredo again while Aguero playing in the hole. Jesus Navas will operate on the right side.
Prediction: 2-3; Keeping in mind Southampton’s injury crisis at the moment and City in full form, expect them to notch yet another victory.
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