Probable Lineups

3-4-1-2
Manchester City
4-5-1
Southampton
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(65) 41 Goals 36 (46)
(44) 34 Assists 21 (25)
(6.8) 7 Average Ratings 6.8 (6.6)
27.4 Average Age 27.2
181.2 Average Height (cm) 181.6
(1.3) 1.5 Shots pg 1.2 (1)
(51%) 46% Aerial Duel Success 48% (50%)
(0.8) 0.6 Dribbles pg 0.5 (0.5)
(1.4) 1.3 Tackles pg 1.4 (1.6)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Premier League.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Mario Balotelli Doubtful 6.33
Joe Hart Doubtful 6.59
Gareth Barry Doubtful 6.95
Micah Richards Doubtful 7.24
No missing players.

Team News

Manchester City
  • Following the lead of a number of Italian clubs, Roberto Mancini has adopted a new system, playing 3 at the back recently.
  • The formation is suited to wide players with strong defensive attributes, with Kolarov and Milner getting the nod in the Community Shield, and having Zabaleta in the back three allows the former to drop back to left-back when needed to make a 4-man backline.
  • Kolarov will battle for a place with Clichy, while Nasri could be forced deeper upon David Silva's likely return, with the Spaniard set to play in behind the Argentine pairing of Tevez and Aguero.
Southampton
  • Nigel Adkins has been tinkering his system in pre-season to play with a lone striker, in top scorer Richie Lambert.
  • New signing Jay Rodriguez has been forced wide, with Lallana moving centrally.
  • With no injury concerns of note, expect Nathaniel Clyne to go straight into the side and make his debut at right-back, while fellow new signing Steven Davis could also start.

Prediction

  • Man City's new formation seemed to work in the most part against Chelsea, despite conceding twice, and they will look to attack from the off against newly promoted Southampton.
  • Adkins will no doubt be happy to come away from The Etihad with a draw and should line-up with a defensive side. They will look to the likes of Rodriguez and Lallana to support Lambert on counter attacks, but continue to try and play their passing game.
  • City could rest a couple of players but will look to get a good first win on the board to set a marker to the competition, but Mancini will not be underestimating a Southampton side that were worthy Championship winners last season.
Prediction:
Manchester City
3
1
Southampton
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Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
2 M. City 23 9 6 78 lwdwwl
14 Southampton 9 14 15 41 ddlldd

Top Players

Manchester City
Southampton
D. Silva 7.27
G. Clichy 7.23
C. Tévez 7.21
M. Schneiderlin 7.23
R. Lambert 7.06
A. Lallana 6.92
E. Dzeko 14
S. Agüero 12
C. Tévez 11
R. Lambert 15
J. Puncheon 6
J. Rodriguez 6
D. Silva 8
C. Tévez 8
S. Nasri 7
R. Lambert 5
A. Lallana 5
J. Rodriguez 5

Match Forecast

Manchester City will score from a wingplay situation  
Manchester City will score from a setpiece situation  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.

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