Southampton vs. Manchester City: predicted line up for the blues

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Nathan Ake of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the team's first goal with teammate Jack Grealish during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on January 27, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

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Ederson

Having kept 5 clean sheets in a row (a rarity this season) before the Liverpool game, the Brazilian had been in good form.

Stones

Pep has been trying all season to have the inverted-right-back, mostly successfully with Rico Lewis, not so much with Walker. Stones is THAT guy and performed brilliantly in the role last Saturday.

Akanji

Pep appears to prefer Dias on the left of the CB’s, which means tough luck for Laporte with Akanji stepping in.

Dias

Evidently, the number 3 bolsters the City defence and is a clear leader for the defensive line. I don’t see Pep dropping him.

Ake

Outstanding and consistent performances this season, he has become a crucial figure in the side, linking up incredibly well with Grealish.