Preview
Manchester City are eager to bounce back from Sunday's Manchester derby disappointment in the when they lock-horns with Southampton at home on Wednesday. Against the bookies' prediction, the Citizens were subjected to their first defeat of the calendar year, ending a sequence of 28 games without defeat in all competitions. It took their cross-town rivals just 33 seconds to earn a spot-kick and convert through Bruno Fernandes. With the balance of the game titling in favor of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his band, the hosts failed to pick up the pace and ending up conceding another goal while the Old Trafford side remained resolute.
Bar the unbeaten run which was stopped with the derby result, Manchester City had a record-breaking winning run of 21 games ending as well. However, what seemed ike a reality check for the former Premier League champions could well set them up for a grandier finish in the title race. Prior to the United defeat, the last time they lost a game was against Tottenham Hotspur in November 2020 and the result ended up inspiring the brilliant run which has shuttered a number of Premier League records.
So far, City lead the pack with 11 points with Manchester United being their closest adversary. A win over Southampton will restore the 14-point advantage that existed between the two Manchester clubs before the derby. However, as to whether they can elude back-to-back defeats at the Eithad for the first time in five years remain to be seen, especially, taking into account how much of a threat the Saints can be under the right circumstance.
Needless to say, Raphael Hassenhult's side has struggled for form in recent months despite having one of the best starts to the Premier League campaign this seaosn. The Southampton headcoach has been in charge of just two wins across the last 10 matches, with seven losses finding its way into their camp alongside two one draw. They currently sit in 13th-position with 27 points after 27 appearances.
Southampton last won against Manchester City in April 2004 and have since lost eight of their last nine Premier League away games against the Citizens.
Team news
Manchester City have a fully-fit squad available for Wednesday's clash. For Southampton, Danny Ings' absence will come as a huge blow considering how influential his goals have been. In addition, Michael Obafemi, Oriol Romeu, William Smallbone and Theo Walcott are all out with respective injuries.
Predicted starttng XI
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Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Silva, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Torres, Aguero, Foden.
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Southampton: Forster; Maitland-Niles, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Armstrong, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Minamino; Adams, Tella.
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
