Southampton vs Man City: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Southampton vs Man City: Premier League Clash with Contrasting Stakes

It’s a curious thing, the way narratives unfold in the Premier League. As Manchester City travel to face Southampton at St. Mary’s on Saturday, May 10, the contest brings together two clubs at opposite ends of the spectrum—one chasing Europe, the other chasing a shred of dignity.

The match is not televised live in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule, but for those interested, highlights will be available via the Sky Sports app and YouTube from 5:15pm, with Match of the Day providing full coverage later that evening.

Contrasting Fortunes Define the Clash

Southampton’s fate was sealed weeks ago, their relegation confirmed following defeat to Tottenham. Their focus has now shifted from salvation to self-respect: avoid the ignominy of finishing with fewer points than Derby County’s infamous 11-point 2007/08 campaign. Currently level with that total after a draw at West Ham, the Saints have three remaining fixtures to nudge ahead—though none more difficult than hosting Man City.

Photo IMAGO

For Pep Guardiola’s side, the stakes are real and pressing. While their Champions League qualification isn’t yet mathematically guaranteed, they’ve timed their resurgence to perfection. Since a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest in early March, City have remained unbeaten in the league and climbed back to third place. Their form is underpinned by tactical consistency and, crucially, the return of key personnel.

Team News: Boosts and Setbacks for Man City

The news City fans have waited for is finally here—Erling Haaland is back. After concerns he might not feature again this season due to an ankle injury, the Norwegian marksman was included in last weekend’s squad and could start against Southampton.

Rodri, who suffered a long-term ACL injury earlier in the campaign, is also back in training, though Guardiola has indicated a more cautious reintroduction:

“The moment the physio and doctor say that Rodri can start to play minutes, and after that he will start to play minutes. But the doctors have to tell me. It was a difficult injury.”

Photo: IMAGO

However, not all is rosy for City, with John Stones and Nathan Ake still sidelined due to thigh and ankle issues respectively. Their absence limits defensive options, but City’s depth remains formidable.

By contrast, Southampton enter the match relatively unscathed. Interim manager Simon Rusk confirmed a “fairly clean bill of health,” with midfielder Mateus Fernandes expected to feature prominently.

Prediction: Uphill Battle for the Saints

Momentum matters. City have five consecutive wins in all competitions, three of those accompanied by clean sheets. They are efficient, ruthless, and have rediscovered their swagger at precisely the right moment.

Southampton, meanwhile, have been rooted to the foot of the Premier League table since November and have managed only two points since mid-February. Their last outing, a 2-0 loss to fellow relegated side Leicester, highlighted the malaise and lack of resilience that has dogged their campaign.

Given City’s firepower and Southampton’s vulnerability, it’s hard to make a case for anything but a comfortable away win. One suspects that Southampton’s best chance at eclipsing Derby’s record may lie in their upcoming fixtures against Everton or Arsenal. For now, expect Guardiola’s men to handle business with the cold efficiency that defines top sides in the final stretch.

Predicted score: Man City to win 4-0

Head-to-Head: Slight Edge for City in Historic Rivalry

Despite their current positions, Southampton have a proud history against City—just not a recent one. Their last win came in 2023’s League Cup quarter-final, a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak period. In the Premier League, however, City have tasted defeat at Southampton’s hands just twice since 2013.

City will be keen to maintain their dominance, and given the context, it’s difficult to see any other outcome.