As the English Premier League gears up for another thrilling week, Manchester City vs Southampton to the Etihad in a matchup that appears a one-sided battle. City, behind Liverpool’s in second place by just one point, enters as overwhelming favorites. Meanwhile, the newly promoted Saints have found the going tough, securing just one draw from eight outings so far. Despite missing the influential Rodri and De Bruyne through injury, Pep Guardiola’s team continues to dominate. But could Southampton conjure some late magic to stun the oddsmakers?

Team Form Analysis

Manchester City Form: Key Players and Recent Performances

Manchester City come into the weekend buzzing, extending their winning run to five matches across all competitions thanks to a fantastic 5-0 defeat of Sparta Prague midweek. Erling Haaland continues to spearhead a potent attack, finding the net almost in every match. The City backline has remained solid at home, unbeaten in 34 league fixtures on their own turf.

Key stats:

• City has scored in every match in the last six games, totaling 14 goals.
• John Stones has emerged as a surprise goal contributor, with crucial goals in both domestic and European fixtures.

Southampton Form: Struggles and Defensive Concerns

In stark contrast, everything has been difficult for Southampton since gaining promotion. Their return to the top flight has yielded a solitary point from a possible 24, with last weekend’s 2-3 reversal to Leicester City the latest setback. Despite encouraging periods, defensive mistakes have come back to haunt them, shipping 14 goals in six outings.

Key stats:

• Southampton has not won a single game in their last four away fixtures.
• Their last victory against a top-tier team, Arsenal, saw them hold a 0-0 draw in the first half.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City’s Possible Starting XI:
Ederson; Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Nunes; Haaland

Southampton’s Possible Starting XI:
Ramsdale; Stephens, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis; Walker-Peters, Aribo, Downes, Fernandes, Manning; Dibling, Archer

Key Points to Consider

• Manchester City have not lost in their last 34 Premier League matches at the Etihad Stadium.
• Southampton have failed to win any of their past 12 visits to Manchester City.
• Seven of City’s eight top-flight games this campaign have featured both teams scoring goals.

Manchester City vs Southampton: Betting Odds

With Manchester City in dominant form at home and Southampton struggling this season, it’s understandable that the hosts are the clear favorite win. StarBet has the odds of a City victory set at a likely 1.12, while an upset Southampton win would see a staggering payoff of 19.50.

Prediction

All signs point to Manchester City controlling possession and repeatedly threatening the Southampton goal with their dynamic attack. While the visitors may occasionally breach the hosts’ defense, containing City’s firepower over the full 90 minutes seems improbable, especially at the Etihad Stadium. We foresee a 3-1 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side, with star striker Erling Haaland once again finding the back of the net. Southampton will likely struggle to cope with City’s relentless pressure, but a goal on the counterattack is possible.