Game Week 36 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Southampton

Southampton host Man City as Haaland and De Bruyne aim to boost City's push for second, while the Saints play for pride before relegation.

Southampton is a banana peel that Manchester City must do well to handle properly as the latter seek result to help them finish in the top 5. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Southampton vs Manchester City

St Mary’s Stadium

3:00pm

It’s the penultimate fixture at St Mary’s Stadium before Premier League football ceases at the ground, at least for one full season, as the Saints will play in the Championship next season.

Manchester City has hit top gear; they have Erling Haaland back in time to help them secure a top-five finish. However, the Cityzens are now gunning for the second spot, which is currently occupied by Arsenal by three points.

The former champions typically hit monstrous form at the tail end of the season, and despite what they have been through this season, including the loss of key players at pivotal points, finishing second would be a testament to their prowess.

The Saints have nothing but pride to fight for. Preseason has started for them, and they must now give it everything to bounce back at the very first time of asking, just like they did the last time they were relegated to the Championship.

Typically, when a Premier League side gets relegated, depending on the quality of the squad, teams in the top tier shop freely, as players from relegated sides cost less, especially when they have relegation clauses in their deal. So, who are the players to be shopped from Southampton?

Taylor Harwood-Bellis is one player catching the attention of top clubs; after making his debut for England, the young centre-back is expected to be prised away from Southampton this summer, and he could fetch the Saints good money.

Southampton has already slapped a whopping £100m on Tyler Dibling, which might put off a lot of suitors, as no one in their right senses should consider the youngster at such a ridiculous price; however, he is another player that could depart this summer.

For Manchester City, there are three games left before they depart for the Club World Cup; that excludes the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, which represents their only route to silverware in a tough season.

Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland remain the players to watch in the attack, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who has hit top form at the right time. It is the Belgian’s last season at Manchester City; he is trying his best to leave on a high.

Can the Saints stop the former champions from steamrolling them? Not quite, but Ivan Juric’s side is only playing for pride, and that can be dangerous. Manchester City must hit them early to calm nerves, as the Cityzens need the result more.

Verdict: Straight win for Manchester City.