17 September 2021, 15:20 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League fixture, Manchester City vs. Southampton F.C. kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Matchday 5, Saturday, September 18 at the 55,097-capacity City of Manchester Stadium. First official, Jonathan Moss, will be assisted by Marc Perry and Timothy Wood, while Martin Atkinson will be the VAR.
Preview Manchester City Premier League, Sep 18, 2021
Preview Manchester City will return to Premier League action after the 6-3 thrashing of RB Leipzig in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League opener. On Matchday 4, the Premier League champions picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. The white-wearing sky-blue side got right into the game after kick off, with Gabriel Jesus forcing a save out of Leicester City’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, in the fifth minute, with what appeared to be a goalmouth scramble ensuing afterwards. Two minutes later, Vardy picked out Harvey Barnes, but the latter couldn’t apply the finish. Moments later, Barnes struck the cross-bar with a fine header before Bernado Silva (62’) eventually separated both sides two minutes after the hour mark. Manchester City have three consecutive victories: LWWW, and remain in 5th place, having picked up 9 points after 3W, 0D, & 1L. An average of 2.75 goals scored per game, coupled with a 0.25 goals conceded-per-game makes up the numbers on goal, having scored 11 and conceding once. The Premier League champions could become the first-ever team to win four consecutive league home games by five goals or more, having picked up a 5-0 win in the last three. Pep appears to have settled for a 4—3—3 formation with Jack Grealish, Ferran Torres and Gabriel Jesus in attack, and a similar arrangement is expected against Southampton. On availability, Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined with an ankle injury. According to the Daily Mirror, İlkay Gündoğan has been promoted to Manchester City vice-captain after a vote by the players and the backroom staff, following the lengthy absence of Kevin De Bruyne.
Preview Southampton Premier League, Sep 18, 2021
Preview The Saints picked up a goalless draw against West Ham on Matchday 4 at St. Mary’s Stadium. Despite taking 11 shots with 3 on target borne from having 41% of the ball, Southampton failed to hit the back of the net. The Saints occupy 14th place on the Premier League table, having picked up 3 points from 0W, 3D, & 1L. The club returns to Premier League action with three consecutive draws: LDDD ahead of this weekend's fixture against Manchester City. Having scored four goals in as many games, the Saints are left with a G.D of -2 after conceding six. An average of 1.5 goals conceded per game. Southampton's James Ward-Prowse has hit the back of the net in his last two Premier league visits to the Etihad and could level Tim Cahill’s record of three picked up between the year 2008 and 2010. Manager, Ralph Hasenhüttl could emerge alongside Southampton with a 4—4—2 formation having the duo of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Armstrong in attack. Shane Long remains in doubt for this fixture alongside Sam McQueen.