Manchester City vs Southampton prediction, odds and preview

When Manchester City hosts Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they might briefly overtake Liverpool atop the Premier League standings.

The Saints are currently in 16th position, one point above the relegation zone, while the Citizens are currently in second place and one point behind leaders Arsenal, who play Liverpool on Sunday.

Man City defeated Copenhagen 5-0 at home in the Champions League on Wednesday night to extend their unbeaten streak in all competitions to five games.

Pep Guardiola’s team will play again in the Premier League on Saturday. They are the only team in the league to have eight games this season without a loss. The Citizens are in a good mood, which is understandable, but they will be cautious given the threat that Southampton, their next opponent, is expected to present.

Both of City’s top-flight matches against the Saints ended in losses last season; they first played to a rare goalless draw at home in September 2021 before drawing 1-1 at St Mary’s in January. However, in March, the Citizens won the FA Cup at St. Mary’s 4-1.

Since losing 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur at home in February, Guardiola’s team has gone 15 games without a loss at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions.

Southampton has only won two of their 45 away league games against the current top-flight champions, and they have lost all 11 of their Premier League encounters there since a 3-1 triumph in April 2004.

The Saints have also struggled to keep clean sheets away from home, as they have given up a goal in each of their previous 18 away Premier League games, which is the longest streak currently in play and the longest streak the team has ever had in the division.

The Southampton team will at least have some confidence after last season’s goalless draw at the Etihad. Still, they will need to put on another strong defensive performance if they are to somehow silence Haaland and company in front of goal.