Manchester City romped home with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup and Pep Guardiola’s men will be the outright favourites when they play host to a struggling Southampton unit on Sunday.
The Citizens are still unbeaten in the Premier League ten games into the season and few would back against them continuing their winning run.
Southampton, on the other hand, have struggled to rack up the goals this season and one can expect another tough day at the office for the Saints.
Kevin de Bruyne suffered a ligament damage in the Carabao Cup game and will be out for another five to six weeks. Ilkay Gundogan is closing in on a return from his hamstring injury and has been training with the team but Guardiola is unlikely to risk his star player in a game where the Citizens are such strong favourites.
Nicolas Otamendi suffered a muscular injury and might be sidelined for Sunday’s clash.
The Brazilian has been in good form between the sticks, excelling in his role as a sweeper keeper.
The English international had a good game against Spurs on Monday and was rested for the Carabao Cup tie, meaning he should be fresh to start on Sunday.
He has impressed with his solid performances in the heart of the defence and has looked confident with his passing.
The Frenchman might not be the most physically imposing centre-back but he has used his superior technique, tactical awareness and elegance to keep things tight.
He was poor in the game against Spurs and must come up with better things on Sunday.
The Brazilian was rested for the Carabao Cup game and should be fresh to start on Sunday.
He looked his usual energetic self against Spurs and he should come up with another impressive performance.
The Spaniard wasn’t in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup tie but should return to the XI on Sunday as his creativity in the midfield is indispensable for Manchester City.
The Algerian scored the winner against Spurs and Guardiola should hand him another start to build on his confidence.
He assisted Mahrez for the winner against Spurs and has always been a lively presence in the final third.
He was rested for the Carabao Cup game and should be fresh to start against Southampton.