Game Week 9 Predictions: City to pummel Southampton at the Etihad

Manchester City hosts Southampton as Pep Guardiola's side eyes top spot. Saints seek a miracle against Haaland-led City at the Etihad.

Manchester City is primed to add to the misery of the Saints at the Etihad on Saturday, how many goals will they score against Southampton? (Photo credit: 90 Mins)

 Manchester City vs. Southampton

Etihad Stadium

3:00pm

It’s quite interesting to note that Russell Martins is still in charge at Southampton; losing to Leicester City from a comfortable position of a two-goal lead at home should be the deal breaker, but here we are with the Saints hoping for a miracle at the Etihad.

It may sound cliche, but will the newly promoted sides outperform the trio from last season? Ipswich isn’t picking points, and Leicester, though promising, found a way to embarrass their fans at home with a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

Manchester City knows that this weekend is their chance to go to the top and stay there for as long as they want. With Liverpool traveling to the Emirates to negotiate with the Gunners, anything other than a Liverpool win sends the champions to the top, but City must do its part first.

You must feel sorry for Southampton; Erling Haaland's legend has risen again with a crisp brace in midweek, and Phil Foden is also gaining ground. With the Saints conceding freely, it's hard to see past a city steamrolling at the Etihad.

The numbers don’t favor Southampton; their position on the log is no coincidence, as they have faced the most shots, and beyond the two they scored against Leicester, they aren’t doing well in front of goal with the number of chances they create.

How will they line up? You can tell that Haaland is going to start for City, but will it be Doku and Savinho or Foden and Bernardo Silva? Rico Lewis is alternating with Matteo Kovacic in midfield due to Rodri's absence, while Ilkay Gundogan, Silva, or Foden could fill in for Kevin De Bruyne.

Nathan Ake is back and available, but Jovsko Gvardiol is the man everyone expects to get the left-back position. Anywhere else on the pitch is subjective, with Pep Guardiola being known to rotate and maximize his squad as he wishes.

Ryan Fraiser is serving his ban, but Jack Stevens is available again. Cameron Archer will lead the line as he continues to keep Brereton Diaz out of the starting eleven. Tyler Dibling is impressive on the flank, but how much joy will the youngster enjoy against the champions?

Verdict: Manchester City is to win.