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Manchester City vs. Southampton: Starting XI Prediction

By Laura Graves

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri (R) attends a training session at Manchester City training ground in Manchester on October 4, 2022, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League group G football match FC Copenhagen. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri (R) attends a training session at Manchester City training ground in Manchester on October 4, 2022, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League group G football match FC Copenhagen. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Ederson

Clean sheets have been a little harder to come by than recent seasons, however, the Brazilian has kept 4 clean sheets out of 8 Premier League games and comes into the weekend after a clean sheet midweek.

Cancelo

It has been confirmed that Walker will be out for a number of weeks after undergoing successful surgery on a groin injury sustained in the Manchester Derby – what a warrior!

This means we are likely to see Cancelo in his natural position on the right more often over the coming weeks. Will we see another little cameo from Rico Lewis if we are in control of the game?

Akanji

Our new signing was left out of the Champions League game on Wednesday, one can only imagine that this was to keep him rested for the clash with Southampton, because he has been on fire and deserves to keep his spot. The rest is where it gets tricky – what will Pep do?

Dias

With Laporte fresh back from injury, playing the full 90 midweek and minutes in the derby. Are we likely to see him rested against Southampton? As we have seen in recent years, when Pep has options, he tries to ease players back in.

Ake

Gomez wowed in an excellent performance against Copenhagen and involved in 2 of the 5 goals. He’s versatile and unpredictable, which would be intriguing against a packed Southampton defence.

However, I wonder if Pep will go for experience. Playing the 3 CB’s will allow Cancelo to push forward either down the right or inverted more freely, which could be crucial in breaking down the Southampton wall.