Southampton FC predicted lineup vs Manchester City in EPL

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat at Wolves last time out, in which he named a completely unchanged starting XI from the Brentford victory.

Saints drew 0-0 with City back in September using the 4-2-2-2 formation, and this gives good reason for Hasenhuttl to switch back to this.

He left a number of COVID returnees on the bench for that one, and I expect a few of those to come into the XI.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: PA)

Man City managed to pick up a huge 1-0 win over title-challengers Chelsea last time out – they are 11 points clear at the summit and have only lost and drawn two games each all campaign.

Many will see this as a free hit for Saints, but they have been good at picking up points from the best teams this season and Hasenhuttl will do doubt be targeting a point.

Here’s how we think he might line up to try and get it…

Goalkeeper

Fraser Forster should again retain the gloves, despite conceding three versus Wolves last time out. Alex McCarthy has been back in training though and will want a chance to win back the position soon.

Goalkeeper Fraser Forster (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Defence

Kyle Walker-Peters did not return last time out despite making the bench, but a change in shape should see him go to right-back for this one with Tino Livramento still out. Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu are likely to be entrusted through the centre, with Romain Perraud again at left-back.

Defender Jan Bednarek (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Midfield

Oriol Romeu is one of Pep Guardiola’s favourite players, and he will be given a pivotal role in Saints’ midfield alongside in-form skipper James Ward-Prowse.

Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond could be tasked with trying to support the midfield operation, with both particularly disciplined in the press as well as offering going forward.

Moi Elyounoussi could return but has just battled a bout of COVID, and Hasenhuttl tends to slowly reintroduce players into the XI.

James Ward-Prowse is in good goalscoring form for Saints (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Attack

Che Adams should be given a first start of 2022 to support Armando Broja. Saints will be limited in the number of chances they get, but these two are probably the most clinical forwards at the club.

Che Adams is yet to start in 2022 for Saints (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Full predicted team:

Forster; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud; Romeu, Ward-Prowse, S Armstrong, Redmond; Adams, Broja.

What would you go with?