Predicted Man City line-up to face Southampton in the Premier League
After losing two consecutive games in the league, champions Manchester City are in a situation where they have to beat Southampton at the St. Mary’s this Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s men lost at home to Crystal Palace and then got the reversal against Leicester City away from home as well, leaving them seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
It is clear that the defence is not doing its job, which in turn is putting a lot of pressure on the forward line to deliver every time. And at the moment, the Guardiola machine is falling short. However, they are the champions for a reason and are expected to hit back when they face Saints this weekend.
Team News
Benjamin Mendy is out until end of February, while another left-back option Fabing Delph is suspended for three games after a red card against Leicester.
Vincent Kompany still has a slight issue and would take time. Gabriel Jesus has a knock and could come back by Sunday. Fernandinho is still injured and there is no return date.
Probable Manchester City XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Ederson (GK)
He didn’t have any chance to save either of the Leicester goals. The Brazilian has not been able to keep clean sheets for a while now, partly because the men in front of him are not doing a good job.
Kyle Walker (RB)
He was left out of the previous game but he should slot straight back into the lineup for this game.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The experience of Otamendi could be handy in a game where the Cityzens need to keep a clean sheet.
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
He has been one of their better centre-backs, however, he needs to raise his game a bit.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB)
With Mendy injured and Delph suspended, the youngster is expected to start this game against the Saints.
Ilkay Gundogan (CDM)
Fernandinho is still injured, hence, Gundogan is expected to start in defensive midfield once again.
David Silva (LCM)
He came off the bench in the last game as he recovers from his injury. The Spaniard should start this game.
Kevin de Bruyne (RCM)
The only positive at the moment for City is that de Bruyne is back to full fitness. The more he plays, the better it is for him to get his rhythm back.
Riyad Mahrez (RW)
He didn’t start the game against Leicester but should do so on Sunday.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
Guardiola would need to him to be back scoring goals and being a threat up front.
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Leroy Sane (LW)
He has had a fantastic season so far and the team requires him to continue to do well.
