Get all you need to know ahead of the midweek clash with Premier League leaders Manchester City, as Saints travel to the Etihad Stadium.
THE MATCH
Manchester City v Southampton
Wednesday 29th November, 8pm GMT
Etihad Stadium
Premier League
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Saints recorded an impressive victory over Everton at the weekend, netting four goals for the first time in the 2017/18 campaign.
The St Mary's faithful were rewarded with a number of exciting performances, none more so than 22-year-old Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, whose industry and efficiency was unmatched on his first Premier League start of the season.
Another standout performer was two goal striker Charlie Austin, who has now had a hand in eight goals in his past 11 Premier League starts. Saints consequently climbed in to 10th, level on points (16) with Brighton.
Undoubtedly the division's most elegant passing outfit, the blue side of Manchester is beginning to establish an impregnable advantage over their red shirted rivals.
Pep Guardiola's side proved that they have the spirit to match their aptitude after overturning a 1-0 deficit at Huddersfield on Sunday, emerging 2-1 victors.
City's unbeaten league record is still in tact and they have consequently opened up an eight point gap at the head of the table.
TEAM NEWS
Southampton: Mario Lemina made a 12 minute cameo appearance at the weekend as he continues his return to fitness, while midfield partner Oriol Romeu has now served his one match suspension.
Both are available for the trip to Manchester.
Manchester City: John Stones and Benjamin Mendy will both miss out through injury.
Captain Vincent Kompany could be rested as he manages his return to fitness after a long injury lay-off.
FORM GUIDE
Southampton’s previous five:
Everton (h) W 4-1
Liverpool (a) L 3-1
Burnley (h) L 0-1
Brighton & Hove Albion (a) D 1-1
West Bromwich Albion (h) W 1-0
Manchester City's previous five:
Huddersfield Town (a) W 1-2
Feyenoord (h) W 1-0 (UEFA Champions League)
Leicester City (a) W 0-2
Arsenal (h) W 3-1
Napoli (a) W 2-4 (UEFA Champions League)
TOP PERFORMERS
Steven Davis and Charlie Austin both took their league tally to three goals apiece at the weekend, while Ryan Bertrand chipped in with two well-worked assists.
Prior to Austin's double against Everton, the last Southampton striker to score two headed goals in a Premier League game was James Beattie, back in 2002. The 28-year-old also has the best minutes-to-goals ratio of any player at the club this season.
Top scorers: Manolo Gabbiadini (3), Steven Davis (3), Charlie Austin (3)
Most assists: Nathan Redmond (2), Ryan Bertrand (2)
Manchester City's all time top goalscorer, Sergio Agüero has now scored in six successive Premier League appearances (eight goals) and has assisted three more to boot, during a characteristically prolific run of recent form.
Ex-Liverpool man Raheem Sterling is also enjoying a fruitful spell, having scored 12 goals in 18 appearances for City this season; his best ever goal return in a single club season (all comps).
Top scorers: Sergio Agüero (9), Gabriel Jesus (8), Raheem Sterling (8)
Most assists: David Silva (8), Kevin De Bruyne (6), Leroy Sané (6)
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
All-time record:
Played: 86
Southampton: 31
Draws: 25
Manchester City: 30
Previous four meetings: LDWL
April 2017: Southampton 0-3 Manchester City
Oct 2016: Manchester City 1-1 Southampton
May 2016: Southampton 4-2 Manchester City
Nov 2015: Manchester City 3-1 Southampton
DID YOU KNOW?
- Only versus Aston Villa (6) has Shane Long scored more Premier League goals than versus Manchester City (4). The Irishman has found the net in each of his last two starts against the Citizens in the Premier League.
- Manchester City have won 37 points from their 13 matches this season – the best-ever points total by a team at this stage of a Premier League campaign.
NOT AT THE GAME?
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Etihad! Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.
Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates:
– Twitter
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– Snapchat
– Facebook
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