Manchester City have been inexplicably erratic through the season so far, and their defeat to Juventus in the Champions League in midweek extended their winless run to three games. They’re still only a couple of points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City, but will be anxious to return to the early season form that saw them establish themselves as favorites for the league title.
Manchester City vs. Southampton 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Stuttering Manchester City can move provisionally to the top of the Premier League with a win over Southampton on Saturday.
Michael Regan/Getty Images
Southampton will be the side attempting to extend City's shaky spell away at the Etihad on Saturday, though Ronald Koeman's outfit haven't exactly been a glowing beacon of consistency themselves. Defeat at home to Stoke City last weekend has left the Saints down in eighth place. With Liverpool, West Ham and Everton all going well at the moment, and Chelsea finally beginning to gain ground, Southampton face a big battle to qualify for the Europa League once more.
Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
With David Silva sidelined through injury and Kevin De Bruyne having failed to impress over the last few matches, there's little doubt Sergio Agüero is Manchester City's most dangerous attacking player. The Argentine has chipped in with seven Premier League goals in nine appearances so far this season, including a remarkable five-goal haul in a rout of Newcastle United last month. If Southampton can keep him quiet, they've won half of the battle.
Key matchup: The wide battle
But if Southampton are to win the game, they’re going to need to attack as well as defend. That’s where they’ll be looking to their wingers, Dušan Tadić and Sadio Mané to deliver big performances on their respective flanks. They’re both very quick, technically gifted players, with enough skill in their lockers to terrorize the City fullbacks -- particularly on the counter attack. It could be in these one-on-ones that this game is won and lost.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony (hamstring); David Silva (ankle/foot); Vincent Kompany (calf). In doubt: Joe Hart (hamstring); Pablo Zabaleta, Eliaquim Mangala (knocks).
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Fraser Forster, Florin Gardoș (knee); Jay Rodriguez (ankle/foot); Graziano Pellè (suspended). In doubt: None.
City will still have a handful of their most important players on the sidelines, including captain Kompany and star playmaker Silva. They face a wait to find out if first-choice goalkeeper Hart will recover in time to play, while defenders Zabaleta and Mangala both face late fitness tests.
Southampton have no new injury problems, though striker Pellè will miss out through a suspension.
Match date/time: Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); Sportsnet regional networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
See More:
