Predicting The Run-In: Manchester City Hosts Southampton

Frank Lampard shoots against Southampton (via Manchester City Facebook)

In the last game of the season, both Southampton and Manchester City will be looking for all three points and a positive finish to the 2014-2015 campaign

Manchester City will be the first to admit that the 2014-2015 season has not lived up to the lofty expectations of the club.  The team did not win a trophy, exited the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16, and failed to defend their Barclays Premier League trophy.  Despite the disappointing campaign, the club still has the opportunity of finishing second in the Premier League table.

In the last game of the season, the Citizens will welcome Southampton to the Etihad Stadium.  Southampton currently sits seventh in the table, just one point behind Tottenham and the final Europa League position.  The Saints will be desperate for all three points and the opportunity to compete in Europe next season.  Here is a closer look at the contest and a prediction of the outcome.

vs Southampton

One of the surprise packages of the Premier League this season, Southampton spent a large portion of 2014 inside the top four of the table.  Following a mass-exodus of some of the clubs biggest players last summer, many expected the Saints to struggle this season.  However, the squad did not miss a beat and have played very well throughout the season.

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However, the Saints have limped to the finish line in 2015.  Losers in three of their last four games, Southampton will be looking to put together a couple solid performances to end the campaign.  In order to qualify for the Europa League, the Saints must be able to get results against both Aston Villa and Manchester City.

The problem for Southampton during their poor run of form has been goal scoring.  Earlier in the season, the Saints received a consistent output from Graziano Pelle.  However, the Italian has seen his goal scoring drop off as the season has progressed.  ESPN FC has gone as far as to describe Southampton as “spineless” in recent weeks.  Their poor form has jeopardized all of the good work that was done earlier in the campaign.

With Manchester City displaying the form that many expected for the entire season and Southampton struggling to end the campaign, the Citizens will have the clear advantage in this matchup.  Also, motivated by their home fans and the occasion of Frank Lampard’s last Premier League game, Manchester City will comfortably take all three points from the Saints.

Prediction: 3-1 Manchester City

Next: What does Manchester City need in order to achieve Champions League success?