Southampton vs Manchester City predictions: City to pile on the pain for Saints
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- Manchester City have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven matches
- Southampton have lost 28 league matches so far this term
- Recommended bet: Manchester City to win to nil
Southampton's latest stay in the Premier League has been a miserable one and they could still finish bottom with the joint-worst record in the competition's history.
Locked on 11 points after 35 matches, there seems little chance that the sorry Saints can eke out another point to move above the lowly total set by Derby in the 2007-08 campaign.
The St Mary's side were beaten 2-0 by fellow relegated side Leicester last week, and they have picked up just two points from the last 33 available on their way to the dreaded drop.
Manchester City have also, by their own high standards, endured a miserable season, with the FA Cup their only remaining chance of silverware.
A mid-season slump did the damage, but City have regrouped to finish strongly and they could still nick second place from Arsenal over the coming weeks.
Just one loss in their last 12 matches has restored belief at the Etihad, as has the five clean sheets kept in their last seven fixtures.
Pep Guardiola's men have all eyes on the FA Cup final later this month but they look set to finish their league campaign in the best possible way too.
Team news
Southampton full-back Charlie Taylor is carrying a knock but could be pushed into action this week, although Albert Gronbaek is unlikely to feature again this season due to an Achilles issue.
Otherwise, Saints have a clean bill of health after striker Paul Onuachu returned to action in the loss against Leicester last week.
Erling Haaland was an unused substitute in the win over Wolves and City's leading goalscorer could be involved at some stage this week as he is eased back into the first team.
Rodri has also been training along with Nathan Ake, but neither will be rushed with the FA Cup final on the horizon. John Stones' return is yet to be determined.
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The stats
City have lost just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Southampton have lost 28 league matches so far this term.
The Citizens have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven matches.
Three of the past five meetings between these two have seen City score four goals.
City have lost only one of their last nine meetings with Southampton.
Prediction
Manchester City have looked more like their old selves recently and they should give Southampton short shrift on Saturday.
The Citizens have kept five clean sheets in their last seven fixtures and they can emerge from St Mary's unscathed, especially as the fight seemingly left the home side some weeks ago.
Even relegated Leicester managed to secure a 2-0 victory against Southampton last week, and the Saints, who have scored a league low of 25 goals heading into this round of matches, could struggle to lay a glove on their illustrious and in-form visitors.
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