Premier League: Southampton v Manchester City match preview

Manchester City have the chance to close the gap on league leaders Manchester United, if only for a day, with their rivals not playing until Sunday.

Despite the return of Yaya Toure from African Cup of Nations duty, this will be a tough test for Roberto Mancini’s side.

In the short spell since taking over from Nigel Adkins, Mauricio Pochettino has impressed – picking up points against Everton and Wigan, and narrowly losing at Old Trafford. However, the Argentine remains without a win – how he would love to get it against the Champions.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester City 3 (Tevez, Dzeko, Nasri)) Southampton 2 (Lambert, Davis), Premier League, August 2012

Manchester City 3 (Vassell, Barton, Beasley) Southampton 1 (Jones), FA Cup, January 2007

Manchester City 2 (Bosvelt, Wright-Phillips) Southampton 1 (Phillips), Premier League, January 2005

STATS…

Southampton have won just one of their last nine home league matches against Manchester City – losing five of them.

The Saints have thrown away 24 points from leading positions this season – more than any other side.

A failure to win for City would make it the first time since March-April last year that they’ve gone three league matches without a win. They’ve drawn the last two.

ODDS…

Southampton to win: 6

Manchester City to win: 1.68

Draw: 4.1

TV: Live on ESPN at 5.30pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm.

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