Southampton vs Manchester City - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 30/12/2018

Southampton vs Manchester City - Premier League Preview and Odds

December 30, 2018 14:15pm - St. Marys

Premier League

Manchester City will look to reduce the gap to league leaders Liverpool to seven points ahead of their much-anticipated clash on Thursday night. They travel to the South Coast to face a Southampton side who kick off in 17th place following two wins in their last three outings.

It has been a miserable few weeks for Pep Guardiola`s men who have seen their lead at the top of the table overturned in dramatic fashion. The Manchester club will start the day 10 points adrift of pace-setters Liverpool who also have a four-goal advantage over their rivals. With the two set to meet on Thursday, the next two games could be vital in shaping City`s title chances.

The Sky Blues come into this game on the back of a run of three defeats in four games including recent back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace (home) and Leicester City (away). Away from home, they have lost their last two.

Hosts Southampton have enjoyed an upturn in form since the arrival of new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. Two wins in their last three matches have lifted them out of the relegation zone into 17th place. They remain just a point above the bottom three and will be keen to make the most of this game in hand.

The Saints have only lost one of their last five on home soil having won one and drawn the other three. That run included a win over Arsenal and a draw against Manchester United. However, they did slip up against West Ham United last time out.

Recent Form (League)

Southampton: LWWLL

Manchester City: LLWLW

Betting odds and tips

Despite their recent wobble, it is still hard to bet against City with the quality they have at their disposal. Having said that, Southampton are looking more confident under their new manager and have been hard to beat on home soil over the last couple of months. With the pressure on the visitors, the Saints could take advantage and take something from this game. A small wager on the Home/Draw Double Chance looks interesting at 5/2.

You can the Home/Draw Double Chance at 5/2.

By Neil Morris