Looks like no one is up for doing a matchday thread......so here goes a rush job. Saints are away to league leaders City after suffering heartache after a loss at the Inter Milan 1-0 in the Europa, and City got bashed by Barcelona 4-0 in the champions league. Last time out in the premier league Saints beat Burnley 3-1 with goals from Austin (2) and Redmond, City last time out drew with Everton 1-1 at home with an equaliser from Nolito. Saints looking likely to be missing Long (hamstring) but now waiting on Cedric,Ryan, and Matt Target to be part of Sunday's squad. On the positives Sam McQueen played really well at the San Siro and Boufal came on and looked bright. City seem to have a full available squad. My predicted line up is.... Forster, Cuco,VVD,Fonte,McQueen Hojbjerg,Romeu,Clasie Davis,Tadic Austin
To be brutally honest; not having Long in the match day squad for City game is no loss at the moment. Maybe a slow measured recovery and a couple of games in the under 23's to get his match fitness and his head back may well be the best thing for him.
Jay Rod, on the other hand, needs as much match time as possible. For many reasons, I really hope he does well at the Etihad on Sunday.
1.30pm Manchester City v Southampton (Sky Sports) Referee: Mark Clattenburg Assistants: J Collin, S Bennett Fourth official: K Friend
http://www.skysports.com/football/n...-against-manchester-city-says-matt-le-tissier Matty thinks we can beat Man City and (as we all know) he is an unbiased judge. Lawro going for 2-0 win City; Merson for 2-1 City.
I agree with him. This is a good time to play them. We may not get the desired result, but this is a great opportunity to get one point or all three. Don't be overly surprised if it happens.
OK, so a team humiliated by a European legend vs a team who outplayed a European legend. No contest! COYRs!!!!!
With regards to the Premier League, this game will be the biggest test as to how well the new system works, and I can't wait. If McQueen starts, he may have to show if his defensive skills are up to scratch, on Sunday. Part of me wants to see him tested, but another part of me wants to see Bertrand back, and McQueen protected.