MAN CITY v Southampton – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team

Matija Nastasic remains sidelined with a knee injury but Micah Richards is available once again. The only likely change in defence will see Aleks Kolarov replace Gael Clichy, hoping to add a penetrative thrust down the left.

Jesus Navas is a tempting 9/1 to grab the opening goal of the game. Vincent Kompany is 25/1 to do the same. Open an account here with Paddy Power and receive a free bet of up to £50!

Against a team who move the ball with some freedom in midfield, there is the temptation to include Javi Garcia in his deeper role, but rather than that, I expect Manuel Pellegrini’s safety policy to feature James Milner on the right of midfield. Sergio Aguero is not quite ready to return, so the rotation policy up front will see Alvaro Negredo lead the line, with David Silva operating just behind.

Samir Nasri is a standout 8/1 to score the opener on Satruday. Bet here now with William Hill!

Here is the team Pellegrini could select:

Referee: Chris Foy.

Prediction: MAN CITY 3 - 2 Southampton – I have a feeling this encounter could throw up the odd problem or two. Southampton have caused issues in the past with the silky style and energetic pressing, and City will have to be somewhere near their best to secure the three points. I’m predicting an attacking affair with goals from Alvaro Negredo, Edin Dzeko, Samir Nasri, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez.

Yaya Touré to score first and the Blues to win 3-2 is a cracking 66/1 with Paddy Power. New customers receive a free welcome bet of up to £50 here!

Alvaro Negredo to grab the first goal and City to run out 2-1 victors is a teasing 33/1 with William Hill. Bet with them here!

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