Southampton vs. Manchester City: preview and betting tips

In a major crisis, Southampton face the worst possible opponent. The Saints will face Manchester City, who peppered Chelsea with four goals at the weekend. What to expect from the game and what to bet on?

Southampton are struggling after a decent start to the season. It has lost the last six league rounds and is last in the table, three points off 17th place. They have lightened their mood with an FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.

Manchester City, on the other hand, are on a roll on all fronts. They knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup after a 4-0 win, and have seven out of a possible nine points in the league after Christmas. They are five points behind second-placed Arsenal.

Southampton’s key figures

Saints rely on captain and direct-kick master James Ward-Prowse, hitting five times and assisting twice so far. Shining stopper Armel Bella-Kotchap is unfortunately injured, so the defensive line should be held up by Mohamed Salisu.

Manchester City’s key figures

Erling Haaland has been incredibly firing on the away side, the Borussia Dortmund loanee has hit 25 times and assisted four times. Belgian court assistant Kevin de Bruyne scored three goals and assisted on 15 more.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Southampton are troubled by their defence and attack, but in the first place they have the league’s third-worst defence with 33 goals conceded. New coach Nathan Jones’ switch to a three-defender formation hasn’t helped.

And that’s grist for the opponent’s mill. Manchester have the Premier League’s best attack with 44 shots, scoring more than two goals in three of their last five games. Chelsea dismantled them 4-0 at the weekend.

Considering the awful performances under the new coach, the lack of a killer in attack and the constantly misfiring defence, I think Southampton will get a thrashing. Specifically that they will lose by at least two goals.

Source: EFL Cup