Southampton boss Russell Martin will be poised to make two changes ahead of the clash with Man City.
The Saints will face an incredibly difficult task this weekend as they face off against Pep Guardiola’s Man City as Southampton look to notch their first win of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Southampton will be hoping to respond to their previous game against Leicester City, where they threw away a two-goal lead, which was contributed to by the red card handed to Ryan Fraser.
Cracks are certainly showing in the current Saints side and the upcoming game for Russell Martin will be a difficult one, from the strength of opposition to the injury issues that have mounted up in recent weeks.
Here are Southampton’s injury issues ahead of their clash against Guardiola’s Man City…
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Southampton injury concerns and suspensions ahead of Man City clash
The main injury uncertainty for Martin’s side ahead of the upcoming away trip to Man City is surrounding ‘excellent’ Saints star Yuki Sugawara, who has been pivotal at wing-back so far, proving to add an extra dimension to the attack at a time where there are few Southampton players to turn to in an attacking sense.
The Japanese international was brought off against Leicester City, and Martin has revealed that he is unsure on whether the wing-back will be involved against the champions.
Will Smallbone has also been confirmed to be missing against Man City, as will goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and Ross Stewart.
Saints winger Ryan Fraser will be suspended following his costly red card against Leicester City whilst Southampton were 2-1 up.
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How Southampton might lineup against Man City
Starting from the back, Aaron Ramsdale will without a doubt continue his run in-between the sticks, whilst Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis will sit in front at centre-back, despite a poor showing last time out against Leicester City.
As for the wing-backs, Sugawara’s potential absence could see Charlie Taylor come in on the left side, which would give Kyle Walker-Peters the opportunity to once again play on his favoured right side.
As for the midfield, an unchanged three of Flynn Downes, Mateus Fernandes and Joe Aribo will likely pack out the centre-of-the-park, but there will be more changes yet again in the flanks.
Ryan Manning was given a more advanced role on the left flank, however he wasn’t quite able to seize his opportunity for Martin’s side, and as a result he may look to give another opportunity to Adam Armstrong, whilst Tyler Dibling will feature on the right wing.
Leading the line will likely be Cameron Archer after he notched a goal last time out.
Here is how we think Southampton might line up against Man City…
Aaron Ramsdale (GK), Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Flynn Downes, Mateus Fernandes, Joe Aribo, Adam Armstrong, Tyler Dibling, Cameron Archer