Premier League: Can Saints Pull Off Another Man City Miracle?

Southampton vs Manchester City

Manchester City are running away with the Premier League once again as they have built a commanding lead atop the table. At this point, it would take a minor miracle for them not to successfully defend their Premier League title.

However, Southampton have been a thorn in City’s side of late, and they will be keen to bounce back from their recent defeat when they host the champions at St Mary’s.

The Premier League 2022 betting odds will be heavily in City’s favour, though, as they look to extend their impressive winning run in the Premier League to 13 games.

Talking Points

In-form De Bruyne powering unstoppable Man City 

Manchester City just cannot be stopped. Their big 1-0 win over supposed title challengers Chelsea has pushed their lead up to a commanding 11 points, and while second-placed Liverpool still have a game in hand, the title race seems all but over at this stage.

Kevin De Bruyne provided one of the Premier League 2022 highlights of the season against Chelsea with a spectacular winning goal oozing with class. 

After a slow start to the season, due in large part to lingering injuries, De Bruyne is getting back to his very best. The Belgian maestro has recorded four goals and two assists in his last six Premier League matches.

The midfield trio of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri has been outstanding and relatively settled in recent weeks, but as is his wont, Pep Guardiola will likely make a few rotations to his side. Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho are the main candidates to get a run in.

Up front, Phil Foden got the start as the false nine against Chelsea, but he could drop out after a quiet performance.

Meanwhile, Ruben Dias could make his return to the side after his surprising omission against Chelsea. But the City defence looked as solid as ever even without the star centre-back, which speaks to the remarkable strength in depth City possess.

Defending has been a huge factor in City’s amazing success away from home this season. Since losing their season opener against Tottenham, City have gone unbeaten in their last 10 away league matches, while winning the last seven in a row.

Saints suddenly scoring goals

Southampton’s recent five-game unbeaten run in all competitions was snapped after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves. It was quite a reality check for the Saints, who were coming off a 4-1 thrashing of Brentford. 

After some early-season struggles, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side has suddenly been banging in the goals. They have scored 11 goals in their last five games. 

Captain James Ward-Prowse, who scored another trademark free-kick against Wolves, has been in fine goalscoring form of late with four in his last five games.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old striker Armando Broja, who is on-loan from Chelsea, has been doing a fine job leading the line.

Broja was quite disappointing in their loss to Wolves, though, so Che Adams or Adam Armstrong could be recalled to the starting lineup.

Similarly, Kyle Walker-Peters could make his first appearance of 2022 in place of Nathan Tella, who has been filling in for injured right wing-back Valentino Livramento.

Saints have had a stellar home record this season. They have lost just once in their 10 matches at St Mary’s, with three wins and six draws. Their excellent defence has been a big reason for their home success; they’ve conceded just nine goals in their 10 home games. Although, they have not kept a clean sheet in their last four.

History

Southampton have had some surprising success against Manchester City in recent years. They stunned City by beating them 1-0 at St Mary’s in 2020 thanks to a Che Adams goal.

They also held the Citizens to a goalless draw at the Etihad in their first meeting of this season.

City won the two matches in between those two stellar Saints results, including a 5-2 win at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez both bagged braces.

But Saints were again competitive against City when they last met at St Mary’s as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat after an early Raheem Sterling goal.

Betting Tip

	Southampton vs Manchester City	Southampton Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.13
	January 23, 1:30 (GMT+8)

Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have Manchester City priced as massive 1.28 favourites to pick up another win. Southampton are significant 9.00 underdogs, while a draw is at 5.60.

It’s hard to bet against City in the form they’re in at the moment, but Southampton have caused Pep’s side some problems in recent years. And with Saints playing well themselves and scoring goals, it’s not completely out of the question that they can give City another competitive match at St Mary’s.

 

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