Prediction: Manchester City v Southampton

Verdict: Erling Haaland will score over 2 goals

Best odds: 13/8

Bookmaker:

Looking for another marker on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City host struggling Southampton at the Etihad.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, putting on another frantic display earlier in the week while in charge in the Champions League, Manchester City are aiming to make history this season. Finally en route to a 5-0 home game against Copenhagen, Pep Guardiola's superstars should find the mood in their camp at a high level. While the former Barcelona boss could still find his side sitting a point behind Arsenal and climbing to the top of the table, the defending champions are seen as an overwhelming choice to defend their crown this time around. Last seen in top-flight duties, reclaiming Manchester bragging rights as they knocked United for six at the Etihad, Saturday's hosts are now the only Premier League side who haven't suffered just one defeat since the start of the 2022/23 campaign. With their new attacking icon off to a remarkable start since arriving in England, City should rightly feel a golden chance here.

Team News

With another Champions League double against Copenhagen earlier in the week and already scoring 14 Premier League goals, Erling Haaland will once again be spearheading Manchester City's charge here. Similarly, impressing on Wednesday night, England international Jack Grealish is likely to retain his place in Guardiola's starting XI.

However, suffering from a muscle injury while out with England for the Nations League last month, John Stones will be out again on Saturday afternoon.

Southampton

When it comes to the visitors, while Manchester City could be in the midst of another purple stain, the same cannot be said for a struggling Southampton side. Marking their return from the September international break last weekend as they were hit by a slow 2-1 home defeat to Everton, it looks like there is huge pressure on Ralph Hasenhüttl's shoulders. With speculation growing that the former RB Leipzig boss could be given away on his exit from St. Mary's, Saints have now lost four of their last five Premier League games - including three rotation defeats. Once again struggling at the bottom of the table and with some fearing they are in the thick of a relegation fight, there is no doubt that Southampton should prepare for a huge challenge on Saturday afternoon.

>

Team News

Southampton have already confirmed that the duo of Valentino Livramento and ex-Manchester City starlet Romeo Lavia will miss out again this weekend.

Although he hasn't found the net in his last five Premier League appearances, Scotland international Che Adams will likely lead Hasenhüttl's charge here.

Key Factors to Consider When the two sides last met on March 20 while in the FA Cup, Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 win at St. Mary's. Stringing up another line against Manchester United last weekend, Erling Haaland became the first player in Premier League history to score three consecutive hat-tricks at home. In fact, the 22-year-old superstar has netted a staggering 14 goals in his first eight appearances for the top flight. Southampton have lost four of their last five Premier League clashes – including three defeats on the spin. Carrying on from last season, Southampton have won just one Premier League road win since February 9.

Conclusion

Making their way to another Champions League game earlier in the week, Manchester City should feel another golden chance here. Fired on all cylinders and still boosted by their stellar 6-3 win over their local neighbors last weekend, Guardiola's new attacking icon will also be aiming to make history even more. Becoming the first player in Premier League history to score three consecutive hat-tricks at home, Haaland will be looking to capitalize on a struggling Southampton. Losing each of their last three appearances in the top flight and picking up just three points in their last five outings, Saturday's guests face a monumental task here. With the 22-year-old already scoring a staggering 14 national strikes, it's hard not to see Haaland expanding on his endemic purple spot at the Etihad.

Verdict: Erling Haaland will score over 2 goals

Best odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: