Premier League preview and odds: Manchester City vs Southampton

Published on: 22/10/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester City vs Southampton

October 23, 2016 13:30pm - Etihad Stadium

Premier League

Manchester City will look to end a four-game winless streak in all competitions on Sunday when they welcome a Southampton side themselves unbeaten in four Premier League matches to the Etihad Stadium.

Anything less than perfection brings harsh criticism for Pep

Such are the high standards that Pep Guardiola has set during his time as a coach, that every time his team drops points, it seems that the knives are out. Each draw or defeat is accompanied by the usual cries that the Spanish coach `does not have a Plan B` or that `possession football counts for nothing in the Premier League.` Few other coaches come in for so much scrutiny for simply not winning a game of football.

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues still occupy top spot in the league, having been defeated just once. They also remain well-placed to qualify as runners-up in Group C of the Champions League despite falling 4-0 to Barcelona in midweek.

The last few games have demonstrated that the Guardiola project at City is still in its infancy but the former Barca man has still kept his side ahead of the pack on the domestic front.

The Citizens City have won six of their eight games this season and all six victories produced over 2.5 goals. In addition, they have scored in 100% of their home matches.

Meanwhile, Southampton have been climbing steadily up the Premier League table after a slow start to the season. New boss Claude Puel has guided his team to three wins, three draws and just two defeats to leave them eighth in the table with eight games played.

The Saints come into this game on the back of 3-1 home win against Burnley in the league a 1-0 defeat away to Inter Milan in their midweek Europa League game.

Team news

Pablo Zabaleta and Fabian Delph are both doubts for City, while Bacary Sagna will definitely miss out.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Shane Long (hamstring), and Jeremy Pied, while Matt Targett, Nathan Redmond, Ryan Betrand and Cedric Soares are all doubtful.

Recent form (League)

Manchester City: DLWWW

Southampton: WDWWL

Betting odds and tips

Manchester City`s defeat to Barca should be taken with a pinch of salt. They arguably had the better of the first half and were later hindered by the dismissal of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo who has not had the best of starts at his new club. And of course they were playing one of the top teams on the planet.

Last week, the Manchester club were denied all three points thanks to two missed penalties and some great goalkeeping from Everton stopper Maarten Stekelenberg.

Southampton have already lost to Manchester United and Arsenal on the road this term with their only away win coming at struggling West Ham United.

You can back Man City/Over 2.5 at a best price of 23/20. Our recommended bookmaker for the Premier League is Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 22/10/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (22/10/2016 15:11:03) but are subject to change.