Southampton vs Man City: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 30th December 2018

England Premier League
Sunday 30th December 2018
Kick off at 2:15pm GMT
Venue: St Mary's Stadium

Match Preview:

Pep Guardiola could never have thought that a match away to Southampton could be one of his biggest in a domestic season but that is what has transpired. Manchester City have lost 3 of their last 4 games in what has been quite frankly a shocking few weeks for the Premier League champions.

It would seem almost surreal to think that City will not pick up points at the weekend. Not only have they seen Liverpool go 7 points clear of them but also Tottenham have flown past Guardiola’s team too and that will personally feel unacceptable for the Spaniard. Make no mistake this match is a make or break situation and one of the most important games since Guardiola arrived in England.

For Southampton they suffered defeat against West Ham on Boxing Day here, which ended a joyous run of 2 wins which came infamously against Arsenal and then predictably against Huddersfield.

The Saints are only three points from the drop and the defeat against West Ham was a nice reminder that the club are not out of the woods just because they sacked Mark Hughes.

They have won just one game at home this season which was against Arsenal and even though they have only lost 1 game at home in their last 5, three of those matches were draws.

Team News:

Southampton: Michael Obafemi has a knock and will likely miss this game. Cedric is close to a return after his calf injury

Manchester City: Fabian Delph is suspended from this game after his red card against Leicester. Gabriel Jesus could return after his minor knock. Vincent Kompany will be assessed ahead of the game

Southampton vs Man City Head to Head:

Last season Manchester City won this game 1-0.

Manchester City have scored 12 goals against Southampton in their last 4 meetings.

Southampton have beaten Manchester City just once in the past 11 meetings.

Manchester City have beaten Southampton in the last 4 meetings.

Southampton vs Man City Prediction:

Manchester City are around 1.30 to win this game and the form they have been in means that not many punters will be attracted to that. They are a much better price to be winning at half time and this could offer good value because surely City will begin at a fast pace. They have been a wounded animal, but we have been here before against Leicester when they lost that game. For sure all eyes will be on this game, but we can’t see past a City win here.

Southampton vs Man City Betting Tips:

Half Time Result: Manchester City to be leading at 1.72

Over 3.5 goals at 2.25