Manchester City will be looking to pour more misery on Southampton’s poor start to the season with a comfortable win at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side made hard work of their victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday and will certainly be hoping their coming home game will be far more straightforward.
Unfortunately for the English champions, their defence could be severely weakened, with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones still a doubt for the coming Premier League clash. Instead, Guardiola is likely to stick with Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake, with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo on either flank.
Although Phil Foden started in the Champions League clash a few days ago, it was his first appearance of the season and it’s unlikely that the England international will be tasked with playing a full 90 minutes against Southampton.
As such, Guardiola will likely go with a midfield trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne in the middle of the pitch.
Similarly, Jack Grealish may be afforded a break after starting every game so far this season, by making way for Raheem Sterling in attack, alongside Ferran Torres and Gabriel Jesus.