Manchester City v Southampton predictions: Classy Citizens could run riot

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester City v Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to bet

Kick-off 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Over 2.5 Manchester City goals
2pts 4-6 general

Team news

Man City
Zack Steffen is out but Pep Guardiola otherwise has a fully fit group. Kevin De Bruyne is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up.

Southampton
Theo Walcott, Stuart Armstrong and Adam Armstrong have been ruled out. Will Smallbone may return, as could Shane Long who is back in training.

Match preview

No striker, no problem for Manchester City, who have racked up 16 goals in three fixtures at the Etihad this season, and that should spell trouble for sorry Southampton.

The Saints were thrashed 5-2 at City’s fortress in March last season and have conceded at least twice on their last seven Premier League road trips, so a long afternoon may be in the offing.

Pep Guardiola’s men have already recorded 5-0 wins over Norwich and Arsenal in home Premier League encounters and they ran out decisive 6-3 winners when hosting Leipzig in Champions League action on Wednesday.

The quick turnaround should pose few problems for Guardiola, who has the deepest squad in the division and has midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne, who played 70 minutes in the Leipzig rout, back at his disposal.

City have fired 84 shots in their four Premier League games and can put three goals past the Saints, whose opening two away fixtures have seen them beaten 3-1 at Everton and held to a 2-2 draw at Newcastle.

Key stat

Manchester City have scored at least three goals in three of their last four home meetings with Southampton.

Inside info

Manchester City

Penalty taker Kevin De Bruyne/Riyad Mahrez
Free-kick wizard Kevin De Bruyne
Aerial set-piece threat John Stones
Card magnet Rodri

Southampton

Penalty taker James Ward-Prowse
Free-kick wizard James Ward-Prowse
Aerial set-piece threat Jack Stephens
Card magnet Oriol Romeu

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