Manchester City vs Southampton preview: Manuel Pellegrini hoping to move past poor week

A look ahead to the Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Shane Long: Ronald Koeman will be hoping for a big performance from the Irishman as he is set to lead the line for Southampton with Graziano Pelle suspended. Long will need to link up well with Sadio Mané and Dušan Tadić if they are to come away with a result.

Weird/Best stat…

5: Manchester City have won the last five meetings at the Etihad and with Southampton missing their target man Graziano Pelle, it will be difficult for them to stop that becoming six. It’s not all bad for Southampton though, they’ve only lost twice in their previous 12 games in all competitions so will be going to Manchester in confident mood.

Remember when…

Gareth Barry and Joe Hart gifted Southampton the three points back in 2013? Southampton went on to win 3-1.

Player to watch…

Raheem Sterling: Critics of Sterling have suggested he needs to add more goals to his game, so he’ll be keen to add his four goals so far this campaign. He hasn’t scored in the league since his hat-trick against Bournemouth and he’ll have to be on top form if he is to get past a tight Southampton defence.

Past three meetings…

Manchester City 2 (Lampard, Agüero) Southampton 0 - Premier League, May 2015

Southampton 0 Manchester City 3 (Touré, Lampard, Clichy) - Premier League, November 2014

Manchester City 4 (Touré, Nasri, Dzeko, Jovetic) Southampton 1 ( Lambert) - Premier League, April 2014

Form guide…

Manchester City: WWWDLL

Southampton: DDWWWL

Vital information…

Kick off: 3pm

TV: Highlights 10.20pm BBC One