Manchester City vs Southampton: We need to bounce back - but I'm not confident it will happen against Saints

FANS' VIEW: Supporters of both clubs preview the match at the Etihad Stadium

Eliaquim Mangala scored an early own goal (Getty Images)

Manchester City - Nick Savage

After two disappointing losses, City must bounce back to winning ways against the Saints - but I'm not confident that we will.

Without Kompany, it's pretty evident that we can't defend to save our lives, no matter how many expensive defenders we buy. Which begs the question - is it Kompany's absence or Pellegrini's inability to organise his back line? Probably a bit of both, but I'm starting to sway towards it being a coaching issue.

Southampton have shown this season that they can be a test for anyone and are dangerous away from home. Mane's pace on the counter will trouble City and I've got a feeling we will struggle again.

Then again, no one seems to be able to predict which City side will show up on the day at the moment and we could easily run out 4-0 winners. We probably won't, though and I reckon it'll be a 2-2 draw.

Southampton - Dane Emery

Southampton were unbeaten in eight games in all competitions before our shock 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke last weekend. We were slow, sloppy and a far cry from the side that has already pulled off shock results at Chelsea and Liverpool this season.

Jay Rodriguez is set to have ankle surgery and will be out of action for another eight weeks, while talismanic striker Graziano Pelle will miss out on the trip to the Etihad through suspension. The Italian will certainly be a big miss and leaves us without a real focal point in attack. Ronald Koeman may opt to use Sadio Mane as a striker while Shane Long should also feature.

If we are to take anything away from the Etihad on Saturday, we are going to have to defend for our lives. It's as simple as that. Pellegrini will be desperate for a positive reaction following two straight defeats and the likes of Aguero will prove a threat as always. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be a difficult day for us and I'm predicting a 2-0 loss.

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