Southampton v Manchester City [Premier League]

Southampton look to avoid four successive defeats as they host in-form Manchester City.

Mauricio Pochettino's men are hitting their first real patch of bad form since the Argentine took charge at St Mary's.

After a brilliant start to the season, the Saints have suffered defeats to Arsenal, Chelsea and, in midweek, at home to Aston Villa.

The Saints have slipped down to eighth in recent weeks, and face the prospect of dropping further down the table if they are defeated by City.

City, currently in third, have their eyes set on catching second place Chelsea, who they trail by just two points.

However, with four away defeats already to their name this term, City will be anxious to avoid another and, if they do, it will be their first win at St Mary's in a decade.


Southampton could be without eight first-team players through injury against Manchester City.

Victor Wanyama and Nathaniel Clyne have joined the growing injury list after being forced off in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa, to hand a huge headache to Pochettino.

Morgan Schneiderlin, Guly do Prado and Danny Fox are already sidelined, but Jose Fonte and Kelvin Davis may make the match.

The only good news is Gaston Ramirez's return to fitness after illness.


Manchester City are approaching a near full-strength squad for the match at Southampton.

David Silva and Stevan Jovetic are both set to return from injury, but neither will be risked on the south coast, with next week's crucial clash with Arsenal the main target.

With captain Vincent Kompany back and fully fit, the only other absentee is defender Matija Nastasic, who himself is not far away from a return to action.


Southampton's 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the corresponding fixture last season was Mauricio Pochettino's first win in charge.
There were nine goals in the two meetings between these sides last season: Saints won 3-1 at home but lost 3-2 in Manchester on the opening day of the season, despite having led 2-1.