Get the full preview of Southampton vs Manchester City, including match prediction, team news, expected lineups, and key stats.
Will City close in on a top-five Premier League finish? Southampton vs Manchester City – Key Insights
Southampton vs Manchester City: Preview, Predictions & Expected Lineups
The Southampton vs Manchester City Premier League showdown this weekend carries high stakes for the Citizens and little but pride for the Saints. As Pep Guardiola’s side eyes Champions League qualification and a strong finish to the campaign, Southampton prepare for their return to the Championship after a dismal season.
Match Preview: Two Clubs, Opposite Paths
As Matchday 36 kicks off, Manchester City are on a mission. A win at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday would not only move them closer to a top-two finish but also keep their title race hopes mathematically alive.
Southampton, on the other hand, are confirmed relegated after enduring a tough 2024–25 campaign, marked by 28 defeats and only three matches remaining to salvage some dignity.
The Southampton vs Manchester City fixture will be City’s final Premier League match before they clash with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, adding further significance to this encounter.
Why This Match Matters for Manchester City?
City are currently third in the Premier League, one point ahead of Chelsea and Newcastle and three clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest. A victory over Southampton would place them level on points with second-placed Arsenal — depending on the Gunners’ result against champions Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in their last 29 Premier League matches against sides starting the day bottom of the table (W24 D5). Their last defeat in such a scenario was in 2008 — a testament to their consistency and strength against struggling teams.
Southampton’s Record-Breaking Struggles
Southampton have endured a disastrous season. Already guaranteed to finish last, they have:
- Lost 28 league matches
- Conceded 82 goals
- Gone winless in 12 straight matches
- Dropped 28 points from winning positions
They’re also dangerously close to equalling Derby County’s infamous lowest Premier League points record (11 points in 2007–08).
Interim boss Simon Rusk faces an uphill battle. Despite a near full-strength squad, confidence is low after a 2-0 defeat at Leicester last weekend.
Key Stats Ahead of Southampton vs Manchester City
- Last 15 Meetings: City have won 11, drawn 3, and lost just once.
- City’s Current Form: 9-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W7 D2)
- City’s Premier League Form: WWWWW
- Saints’ Premier League Form: DLLDLL
- Last Encounter: Manchester City won 1-0 at the Etihad (October 2024)
Team News & Injury Updates
Southampton
- No major injury concerns.
- Albert Gronbaek and Charlie Taylor could return.
- Mateus Fernandes (chest infection) is back in contention.
- Paul Onuachu pushing for a start up front.
Expected XI:
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Downes, Ugochukwu, Manning; Fernandes, Sulemana; Onuachu
Manchester City
- Unavailable: Rodri, Ake, Bobb, Stones
- Available: Haaland returns from ankle injury
- Manuel Akanji fit and pushing for a start.
- Guardiola may rotate ahead of FA Cup final.
Expected XI:
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Silva, Marmoush; De Bruyne (or Foden), Doku, Haaland
Prediction: City to Dominate, Saints to Struggle
Given current form, squad strength, and motivation, this looks set to be a straightforward win for Guardiola’s men. Southampton’s vulnerabilities — especially defensively — may be exploited by the likes of Haaland, Doku, and De Bruyne.
Predicted Score: Southampton 0-3 Manchester City
City’s experience, hunger, and quality should secure three crucial points before their FA Cup showdown.
Final Thoughts
The Southampton vs Manchester City fixture may look like a mismatch on paper, but for City, every game counts in the tight race for Champions League spots. For Southampton, it’s about ending a painful season with dignity. Expect a dominant performance from the Citizens, with eyes already glancing towards silverware. Stay tuned with us for next updates.