Manchester City have a chance to close the gap or overtake high-flying Southampton in this week’s big clash
Photo: EPA
This weekend’s big clash sees a battle between 2nd and 3rd as Southampton host reigning champions Manchester City at St Mary’s Stadium. Can the Blues halt the Saints’ winning run?
The Big Match:
Southampton vs Manchester City (Sun, 9.30pm)
It was only a couple of editions back when I was gushing over Southampton like a schoolboy gushing over his crush.
The Saints have undisputedly been the surprise package of the season, sitting pretty in 2nd position. I can’t stress enough how well they’ve adapted to a mass exodus of players at the end of last season, with Ronald Koeman the mastermind behind the team’s unexpected rise up the Premier League table.
Mind you, Southampton has earned its stripes coming into the tie, especially considering that it boasts the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only five goals.
But the Saints’ credentials will be severely put to the test in the coming weeks as they will have to prove their mettle against traditional big boys Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United in consecutive matches.
The clash against City will be their biggest test of the season so far, but there is no reason why they shouldn’t approach this match feeling supremely confident despite not having a great record against the mighty Blues.
A stop-start City side will have to be at its very best to get anything out of the game.
You could say that City will be the slight favourite coming into the tie, but Southampton should be good enough to get at least a point out of this one.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Manchester City
Other Fixtures:
Liverpool vs Stoke City (Sat, 11pm)
There are some elated Liverpool fans out there, looking at this match.
Even Burnley has found the recipe to win matches. Get with the programme, Rodgers! Liverpool must win this one.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City
Manchester United vs Hull City (Sat, 11pm)
Photo: EPA
United’s victory over Arsenal will have done a lot of good for the team, and they should be expected to heap more misery upon Steve Bruce’s Hull City.
Prediction: Manchester Utd 3-1 Hull City
Sunderland vs Chelsea (Sun, 1.30am)
Sunderland actually did the double over Chelsea last season! Can we see that happening again this time around? Nahhhhh.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea
By Ahmad Khan
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About Ahmad Khan
Ahmad Khan (@AhmadKhan12) is a presenter for #RedCardConnect. He has the potty idea that football makes the world go round and is convinced that the beautiful game forges greater bonds than the United Nations.
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