Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is strengthening his grip on the top four Getty Images

Southampton host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, 15 April as the Citizens look to strengthen their grip on the top four.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 5:30pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD.

Overview

Southampton manager Claude Puel is sweating on the decision to start striker Manolo Gabbiadini, who is on the course of recovery after struggling with a groin injury. Steven Davis is available after getting over an ankle problem while Oriol Romeu is out of contention due to suspension.

The Saints have registered back-to-back wins, leading to only one defeat in their last six, taking them closer to yet another finish in the top 10. They have managed to take thirteen points from a possible 18 on offer, which has allowed them to close on eighth placed West Bromwich Albion, following their impressive 1-0 win at the Hawthorns last weekend. They trail the Baggies by four points, with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, City have no injuries to worry about, with captain Vincent Kompany set to return to the starting line-up after being given a rest against Hull City. Manager Pep Guardiola has a decision on his hands to play either Claudio Bravo or Willy Caballero in goal with no player ready to make the position his own.

Victory for the Citizens at St Mary's will see them move seven points clear of Manchester United, who will have played two games less and all but guarantee their spot in the top four, with six games left to play after this. Guardiola's men also have the FA Cup to look forward to, with a game against Arsenal scheduled in the semi-finals next weekend.

What Managers Say

Claude Puel on Guardiola: "He was a young trainer then, but his team was fantastic. We drew at home, and unfortunately lost 5-2 at Barcelona, but it was fantastic to see his team, his players. They had a good recovery of the ball, high up the pitch. Pep Guardiola changed all football and gave more opportunities for a trainer to think about football; the recovery of the ball. We can see all the teams trying to play like this, and have good possession. I have a lot respect for Pep. He has a good philosophy in football. The team try to have possession and to give always a good response on the game. The aesthetic of football is very important for him. He's an example for a lot of trainers, and he can win Spanish and German leagues, and in the future England." (via Manchester Evening News)

Pep Guardiola: "I think Southampton are making an exceptional season. They have, of course, a good manager (Claude Puel) and exceptional players in all positions. They have very good midfielders, all the strikers are so fast, they play the wingers inside and all of them have good quality. The full-backs are guys who go up and down. They are a really, really good team. I was really impressed when they came here at the beginning of the season. Of course in that moment we came back from Barcelona, had played a lot of games in that period and we were tired. But of course they are a good team. It's a really good test for us." (via Sky Sports)

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • Southampton win: 3/4
  • Draw: 3
  • Manchester City win: 19/5

Team News

Southampton

Possible XI: Foster; Soares, Stephens, Yoshida, Bertrand; Clasie, Hojbjerg; Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Redmond; Long

Manchester City

Possible XI: Bravo; Navas, Stones, Kompany, Clichy; Fernandinho; Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva, Sane; Aguero

Southampton FC Manchester City FC Premier League