Manchester City are set to host Southampton at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City are again slated to return to the Etihad Stadium for their home fixture against Southampton. Earlier this week, the Citizens were successful in their UCL Opener against RB Leipzig as they defeated their opponents 6-3, and have picked up their first points of the competition.

On Saturday, the Sky Blues will have a different competitor in front of them. Ralph Hussenhuttl’s side have been below par in their Premier League campaign so far. From the first four games, the Saints have picked up only three points. But at the same time, they were also able to stop Manchester United as they held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at St.Mary’s Stadium. Hence, the hosts will have to be wary of their opposition and therefore are expected to put up a solid display at their home turf.

In the pre-match press conference, Guardiola gave an update about John Stones and Aymeric Laporte as both defenders missed the Leipzig game. The City boss said :

"They have muscular injuries. John Stones didn’t play with us, played 90 minutes with the national team and came back injured. Lapore came back with some disturbances, some niggles. He wanted to play against Leicester and made an extraordinary game but after that game the niggles were a bit higher and we didn’t want to take a risk. Both are not able to play [tomorrow]."

Against the Saints, Ederson is expected to return between the sticks and will hope for improved performance on Saturday after conceding thrice against Leipzig. At the back, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are likely to be slotted as the center-backs. The latter will look to make full use of his rare start and also will be playing a vital role in Guardiola’s side for the next couple of games.

On the defensive flanks, Kyle Walker will occupy his right-back role after being rested in the Champions League opener whereas the left-back position will be handed to Joao Cancelo. Oleksandr Zinchenko will likely sacrifice his spot for the Portuguese international.

In the midfield, Rodri will operate as the defensive midfielder. He will be accompanied by Kevin De Bruyne on the right side. The Belgian will be looking for his second start of the season after starring in a 6-3 win over RB Leipzig. Bernardo Silva is another candidate who is expected to retain his place in the side as the left midfielder.

City’s attacking front will be lead by Ferran Torres and hence he will be accommodated as the main striker. Jack Grealish will feature as the left-winger and will look to maintain his good form on the flanks. Gabriel Jesus will be operating on the right wing and hence will play a pivotal role in the final third.