The Premier League heats up this weekend as Southampton hosts Manchester City in a critical Round 36 encounter at St. Mary’s Stadium. With only three games remaining, every point counts, especially for a City side chasing a top-three finish and a Southampton team desperate to avoid the drop.
Southampton’s nightmare season continued with a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City. Goals from Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew condemned the Saints to their 25th loss of the season. Currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just 11 points, Southampton are staring at relegation unless they pull off a miracle.
On the other hand, Manchester City secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. A 35th-minute goal from Kevin De Bruyne proved decisive as City climbed to third place with 64 points from 35 games.
Head coach Russell Martin is expected to stick with a five-man defensive shape to counter City’s attacking firepower. Southampton’s possible starting XI:
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Downes, Ugochukwu, Manning; Fernandes, Sulemana; Onuachu.
Pep Guardiola may rotate slightly but will likely field a strong side as they push to secure Champions League qualification. Manchester City’s possible starting XI:
Ederson; Nine, Dias, Garden, O’Reilly; Gundogan, Gundogan, Bernard; Marmoush, Haaland, Doku.
Based on current form, squad depth, and momentum, Manchester City are heavy favorites going into this clash. Southampton have struggled all season, and their inability to score or defend effectively makes an upset highly unlikely.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Manchester City
