Manchester City will take on Southampton later today at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against Russell Martin’s side. Given that City will have six players out of today’s match due to injury ailments all that matters for the world champions is picking up three points at home.
The injury issues faced by Manchester City are well documented. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are out with long-term injuries. Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker are all out with various injury issues. Pep Guardiola’s side will have to battle adversity with a small squad to overcome a struggling Southampton. But that’s a challenge the champions have faced many times during their reign of dominance in English football.
Against Sparta Prague Manchester City were at their free flowing best. They put 5 past the visitors in a sparkling display. But it would too much to expect City’s depleted squad to steamroll the Saints. Though the season is in it’s infancy Southampton do appear to be fighting for their lives this season. They’ll be determined to pick a positive result to alleviate the pressure on themselves and their manager Russell Martin. So while many think today’s game will be a walkover for Pep Guardiola’s side the potential is there for it to be a tough afternoon for the champions.
Despite this all that matters for Pep Guardiola’s side is picking up three points today. The performance of the depleted City side is secondary to the priority of claiming a victory over Southampton at the Etihad. A win will keep City’s early season momentum going and claim another vital three points. That’s all that matters at the Etihad later today.
