It’s been a very difficult stretch for Manchester City over the last few weeks. Coming into December, City were one point ahead of Liverpool in the table, and they had set a blistering pace. They were on pace to beat a number of the records they had set in their tun through the table last year, and City were odds-on favorites to repeat as champions. City are playing catch-up after three losses over the last three weeks in league play, and they desperately need a win when they head south to face Southampton this weekend.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. Mary’s Park in Southampton at 9:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, December 30, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Southampton +802
Manchester City -311
Draw +452
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Southampton would be delighted with any kind of result here. The Saints are sitting in 16th place with 15 points, and they are just three points clear of the relegation zone. They have looked much better with new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl than they did under Mark Hughes though, and they have scored some key wins in the last couple weeks. Southampton were able to knock off Arsenal in a 3-2 thriller at St. Mary’s Park two weeks ago, and they scored a road victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend. They couldn’t make it three in a row although they were favored against an injury-depleted West Ham squad on Thursday.
At the halfway point of the season, Manchester City are now all the way back in third place. The Citizens are one point behind second place Tottenham Hotspur, and they are seven points behind top of the table Liverpool. Their skid started with a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea three weeks ago, and it worsened over the last week. A 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace at the Etihad was crushing, and they looked lackadaisical in a 2-1 loss to Leicester City on Boxing Day.
Key Injuries
It doesn’t appear that Ryan Bertrand will be fit to play in this match. Bertrand has been dealing with a lower back injury, and that has kept him out for the last month. He has yet to be cleared to return to training. Southampton will have everyone else available for selection though as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg returns after serving a one-game suspension against West Ham.
Claudio Bravo, Eliaquim Mangala, and now Benjamin Mendy are long-term absences for Manchester City. Fabian Delph will miss the next three matches after a late red card out of frustration in the loss to Leicester City, and Fernandinho is doubtful to play. Vincent Kompany and Gabriel Jesus are both seen as questionable to play in this one as well.
Player to Watch
If Southampton are going to pull a result out of their backside, Danny Ings will likely have a say. Ings has been great since coming over from Liverpool, and he leads the team in goals this year. He has been deadly in the air and reliable on the spot, and if the Saints score, he is the favorite to be the goal scorer.
Prop Bet of the Game – Manchester City Over 2.5 Goals +112
This is going to be a chance for City to let out some frustration. The Citizens are dealing with a number of injuries, but they have way too much talent to continue losing matches like this. I see them jumping on Southampton out of the gate to pick up a needed three points.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I don’t call for blowouts often, but this seems like it will be a blowout win for City. There’s no way the Citizens can lose three in a row, and they will want to show something prior to their clash with Liverpool.
English Premier League Odds: Manchester City 4, Southampton 1
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