Pre Match : Southampton vs Manchester City FC Preview , Team News, Lineups, Live Stream Online, Match Prediction
December 7, 2013 3:00 PM GMT
St. Mary’s Stadium — Southampton, Hampshire
Referee: A. Taylor
Watch Southampton vs Manchester City FC Live Online
This year’s biggest surprise in the English Premier league for sure is Mauricio Pochettino side, Southampton despite losing the last three matches and falling out to 8th place. While the first two on tour against Arsenal and Chelsea are not to take so hard, the home one of 2-3 against Aston Villa was a little surprising.
For a redemtion to their fans, the Saints will be looking against the “hot” Citizens, Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City who won 5 of the last 6 games in Premier league and also in their last 5 games, Citizens have netted more goals than Saints the whole season.
Southampton need to be efficient according to Pochettino
Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino looks ahead to Saturday’s English Premier League clash against Manchester City at St Mary’s Stadium.
Pochettino feels Southampton still have belief
On the other side, Man City doesn’t play so convincingly on tour like they play at home, so Saints will probably look to take advantage of it, and with a solid defence for which they are known after conceding only 13 goals this season to end a three-game losing streak. Only the first placed team, Arsenal have conceded less, 10.
Pellegrini: Southampton game will be difficult
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes that their game with Southampton will be made tougher by the fact that the Saints have lost their last three matches in a row
Pellegrini wants repeat of West Brom away performance
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants a repeat of the performance his side produced in their 3-2 win away at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, by beating Southampton this weekend.
Regarding the probable lineup for this game, it’s expected a return of stopper Jose Fonte and midfielder Schneiderlin to the first team, while Osvaldo could replace Lambert. The Goalkeeper Boruc and midfielders Ramirez and Guly are still out.
Southampton probable lineup : Gazzaniga – Clyne, Lovren, Jose Fonte, Shaw – Wanyama, Schneiderlin – Rodriguez, Davis, Lallana – Osvaldo
Regarding Man City, it should be noted that “citizens” in the moment are by far the highest scoring team in Premier League after netting 40 goals , 10 more than any other team, for what certainly the greatest merit belong to Aguero, who scored 11 goals so far.
As for the absences, still out of action due to injuries are defender Nastasic , midfielder Silva and striker Jovetic.
Manchester City Probable lineup : Pantilimon – Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy – Milner, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Nasri – Aguero, Negredo
Match Prediction : Knowing the Saints’ need of win and the curreny form of Man City, the best option would be both teams to score.