There are four matches to be played in the English Premier League on Sunday the 5th of July. One of which takes place at St Mary’s Stadium as Southampton welcome Manchester City to the south coast.
The hosts begin the weekend in 14th place on 40 points and are well clear of the relegation zone. The visitors are in second place and will be aiming to solidify their place in the Champions League.
Southampton come into the game having defeated Watford 3-1 away from home last time out. That result means Southampton have won 2 of their 3 Premier League matches following the lockdown with the other victory coming at bottom of the table Norwich City. However, sandwiched between the two victories was a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
The Saints have not found wins easy to come by in recent games and they have won only 3 of their last 10 in all competitions. Southampton seem to struggle when playing at home and trends show they have won only one of their last 6 home matches in all competitions. They have suffered defeats in 4 of their last 5 home Premier League games but have managed to score at least one goal in 5 of their last 7 on home soil.
Conceding goals has been a problem at home for Southampton and they have kept only one clean sheet in their last 5 home league games.
Manchester City responded to the loss of their Premier League title to Liverpool by defeating the new champions 4-0 at home on Thursday night. It was a resounding victory for Pep Guardiola and his players, who appear determined to finish this Premier League season in style despite giving up their crown.
It has been a good return to action following the lockdown for Manchester City with the only negative result coming at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Other than that defeat, Manchester City have enjoyed some excellent victories including 3-0 over Arsenal and 5-0 against Burnley.
Trends show Manchester City have managed to keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 games in the Premier League. However, they have conceded exactly 2 goals in 3 of their last 4 away league games and will want to try and improve their defensive record on the road. Manchester City have managed to score at least 2 goals in 25 of their 33 most recent games in the Premier League and have defeated Southampton in each of their last 7 meetings in all competitions.
Looking ahead to the team news and Southampton are likely to be without the injured duo of Pierre Emil Højbjerg and Sofiane Boufal. Every other player should be fit and available.
Manchester City travel without striker Sergio Agüero who is not expected to play a part in the Premier League again this season. Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and David Silva will be hoping to start having been on the bench against Liverpool.
Given Manchester city's recent record against Southampton and their current form it is no surprise to see them come into this game as the favourites to take maximum points. The visitors could score a few goals and although they may concede themselves, Manchester City will do enough to win the game.