Unavailable: Manchester
City – Hart, Zabaleta, Mangala, Kompany, Nasri
Southampton – Forster,
Gardoş, Rodriguez, Pellè
This weekend, Manchester City can
briefly return to the summit of the Premier League if they overcome
Southampton, and they are already safe in the knowledge that they have
qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, yet there is still a
tangible sentiment of unrest in the blue half of the city. While fans feel a
degree of apathy towards the Champions League, they will no doubt be concerned
over their domestic form. It has been somewhat compromised by an unfortunate
array of injuries, and this has exposed a genuine lack of squad depth.
The manner in which they collapsed
against Liverpool at the Etihad last weekend also reveals a separate issue that
will not easily be rectified – an alarming frailty in the mentality of Manuel
Pellegrini's team. Liverpool were not unlocking City's backline with verve and
supreme ingenuity, it was the hosts who caved in due to their opponents' high
press.
City's loss to Juventus coupled with
that heavy defeat to Liverpool signifies that they are now a wounded animal,
and they are ready to strike. With the probable return of David Silva,
Southampton will inevitably find it tough against a City team craving
redemption. As predicted, Saints' form this season has been mixed, and last
weekend's showing against Stoke was abject.
Ronald Koeman protected his players,
stating that they were perturbed by the Marseillaise which was blasted out of
the tannoy prior to the kick-off, but his team were short on ideas on how to
break down a well drilled Stoke side, and it is a continually frustrating
problem that Saints struggle in the first match after the international break.
This Saturday, Saints will have a
different challenge, as they will most likely need to play on the break, but
they will not be fazed by performing at the home of higher opposition. City's
defence is struggling for confidence, and Koeman's men can exploit this, as
Steven Davis, Sadio Mané and Dušan Tadić will support deputy front man Shane
Long who will spearhead the attack. If Southampton can counter attack
effectively and incisively with pace, then they may be able to protect that
unbeaten record away from home.
This
will also require discipline and quick thinking from the defensive midfield.
Jordy Clasie has underlined his potential on occasion with a pass that splits
the opposition’s backline, but this has been infrequent and has not justified
his selection. Evidently, his adaptation period in the Premier League is still
in its formative stages, but that task will not become any easier this weekend,
as the Dutchman will have to contend with Yaya Touré sprinting towards him at a
rate of knots. When able to resist the Ivorian’s bustling runs, Victor Wanyama
and he will need to supply those in front of them with the opportunity to break
swiftly.
Key Battles
Otamendi v Long: As Graziano Pellè will sit this match
out due to suspension, it opens the door for the Irishman, who will be
desperate to impress in the Italian’s absence. When he last played up top with
the support of Mané, it worked to great effect, as the Chelsea backline
struggled to cope with the pace and direct nature of the two players combining.
The striker is persistent and is an ideal option for a game such as Saturday’s
when he will need to run the channels for his side, and pressure a City defence
low on morale. If Southampton are able to attack on either wing, the Irishman
will also trouble City with crosses coming into the box.
One
of his direct opponents, Nicolás Otamendi has had a mixed start to his City career
after leaving Valencia. Inconsistency has left a question mark over his
ability, while his relationship with fellow Argentinian centre-back Martín Demichelis
was unsettled by the Juventus attack on Tuesday night. To add to that
uncertainty, Willy Caballero will deputise in goal for Joe Hart, and Saints
should attempt to press that rapport between centre-backs and ‘keeper to test
its strength.
Agüero v Fonte: After a difficult start to the season,
José Fonte has gathered confidence once more, and has produced several
impressive displays alongside Virgil van Dijk. He will need to decide how to
cope with Sergio Agüero – a task easier said than done. A deeper defensive line
may be more appropriate as the striker is an expert in breaking free, and running
through on goal. Fonte will need to maintain that understanding with Van Dijk
throughout the afternoon to make sure that Saints have a worthwhile trip to the
Etihad.
Possible Line-ups
Manchester City: Caballero – Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Kolarov – Fernando,
Touré (C) – Sterling, Silva, De Bruyne – Agüero
Wright,
Bony, Navas, Delph, Clichy, Fernandinho, Adarabioyo
Southampton: Stekelenburg – Soares, Fonte (C), Van
Dijk, Bertrand – Clasie, Wanyama – S. Davis, Mané, Tadić – Long
K. Davis, Yoshida, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Ramírez, Caulker
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