Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
When a team at the foot of the standings faces a multiple-time Premier League champion that has recently emerged from a challenging spell while keeping faith in its manager, the only real question is not the outcome, but the margin of victory.
Southampton
If Southampton finish the season with just 11 points, they will equal the lowest points tally in English Premier League history, set by Derby County in 2007/08. Even when they were relegated two seasons ago, they managed to collect 25 points—more than double their current total. Since their victory over Ipswich Town on 1 February, Southampton have failed to win in 12 consecutive league matches. That said, since the beginning of spring, they have suffered only one heavy defeat in eight games, a loss to Aston Villa.
Manchester City
We do not expect Manchester City to push themselves to their full capacity against a side that is already destined for relegation. The team laboured to a narrow home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, securing a 1:0 result. After Kevin De Bruyne scored in the 35th minute, they appeared content to manage the game without seeking further goals. In total, they registered just nine shots, with an xG value of 0.71. After the break, the squad produced only two off-target efforts and 0.12 xG. Still, they enter this fixture on a four-game winning run.
Southampton vs Manchester City Prediction
Earlier in the season, when Southampton were still fighting for survival, Manchester City managed only a 1:0 win at the Etihad Stadium. With Aaron Ramsdale in goal for Southampton, a heavy loss seems unlikely.
