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Manchester City-Southampton Preview: A Response Needed

By J.C. Gonzalez

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on March 07, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on March 07, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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After City’s record-breaking win streak was brought to a screeching halt in the Manchester Derby, the Citizens need to find a response with a quick turnaround into league action against Southampton.

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The derby defeat was extremely disappointing from multiple perspectives, but in the grand scheme of the season, City remain 11 clear of their arch rivals in second place with just 10 games to go this season. Barring a monumental collapse, they will still easily be crowned as champions. However, regaining the momentum lost against United will be critical to City’s success for the rest of the season, as they remain alive in all three cup competitions, and the annual quadruple talk has begun to resurface.

Southampton have had some very bright moments this year, but they find themselves in 14th place, although a win on Wednesday could take them as high as 11th. As they are seven points clear with a game in hand, the Saints look to be clear of Fulham’s great escape attempt at the bottom of the league, but any result in a game this difficult would likely put their status in next year’s Premier League beyond any doubt.

For City, this feels like the perfect opportunity to get right back on track. They were not thrown directly back into the fire of the Champions League or a crucial midweek knockout cup tie, so they can refocus and get a league win at home against very beatable opposition.

dark. Next. Manchester City’s Winning Streak Ends

Predicted XI: Ederson (GK), Kyle Walker (RB), Rúben Dias (CB), Aymeric Laporte (CB), Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB), Rodri (CDM), İlkay Gündoğan (CAM), Kevin De Bruyne (CAM), Raheem Sterling (RW), Gabriel Jesus (ST), Phil Foden (LW)