Manchester City fans are very much looking forward to this weekend’s game against Southampton in the Premier League.
Manchester City enjoyed a superb 5-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday, and fans are expecting a similarly dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium against the Saints.
Southampton have struggled so far under Russell Martin, having taken just one point so far.
The Saints are yet to win a game in the league, and have the second-worst defensive record in the division.
Everything points to a convincing City win, but Southampton will take heart from the fact that their opponents this weekend have only managed one clean sheet in the league this season – that came in the opening game against Chelsea.
Wolves and Fulham have both run City very close recently, and Martin will hope his side can be the first to cause a big upset.
But pundit Paul Merson certainly cannot see that happening.
Paul Merson drops emphatic score prediction for Man City v Southampton
Southampton are being written off by most.
But Pep Guardiola will ensure his side show the Saints a lot of respect, and that a professional performance is put in.
But for Paul Merson, City’s quality will be far too much for the visitors.
Predicting a 4-0 win, he told Sportskeeda: “I mean, what will the result be in this one? You guess! Southampton will try to play all their fancy stuff and in the end they will get shredded to pieces.
“That’s the only outcome, they will get destroyed by Manchester City. I’m going to go for a 4-0 win to City and I’m being kind to Southampton here. Honestly, if Pep Guardiola’s team get going, this could become any scoreline.
“Losing against Leicester after going 2-0 up would’ve hurt Southampton so bad. No way they’re getting anything from this game at the Etihad.
“We could be looking at goal difference to determine final standings at both ends of the table. Both City and Southampton need to keep that in mind.”
Chris Sutton thinks Erling Haaland will not score against Southampton, but also reckons City will run out 4-0 winners.
Man City can make big statement against Southampton
Up to now, City have not hit top gear in 2024/25.
It was a great result on Wednesday against Sparta Prague in the Champions League, but before that City did struggle against Wolves and Fulham, and have also dropped points against Arsenal and Newcastle United earlier in the season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 12 | 21 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 20 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 17 |
Saturday’s game offers a chance for City to send out a real message.
Southampton are massive underdogs going into the game and City really should not have any issues. Especially if Southampton do not change their usual style and go ultra-defensive.
With Liverpool and Arsenal facing off on Sunday, it’s important to get three points on the board and go top of the table. Ideally, that game will finish all square.
It will be interesting to see if Matheus Nunes will keep his starting berth for City.
He was superb against Sparta, with Guardiola admitting he maybe doesn’t give Nunes enough minutes. Certainly, very few City fans would have an issue with him getting the nod this Saturday.
