Already-relegated Southampton face a resurgent Manchester City outfit, who are pushing to secure a second-place finish in what has been an underwhelming campaign for the former Premier League title holders.
Nolan James May 8
Southampton vs Manchester City: Betting Preview & Tips
Southampton are limping toward the Premier League exit door, and with just three games left, the Saints are staring down the barrel of infamy. After a 2-0 loss to fellow relegated Leicester, they now need a single point from their final fixtures (vs Man City, Everton, and Arsenal) to avoid matching Derby County’s all-time low of 11 points from the 2007/08 season. It’s been that bad.
They’ve won just 2 of 35 league matches this campaign, drawing five and losing a staggering 28 times. Under both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric, Southampton offered no spark, no structure, and no survival fight. Their form is rock bottom — winless in 12, no clean sheet in 16, and just 1 home win all season (W1 D2 L14). St Mary’s has been a graveyard for any hope.
Now enter Manchester City — not at their ruthless best this season, but still a juggernaut compared to this sorry Saints side. Despite key injuries to Rodri and Stones disrupting their usual rhythm, City have found late-season momentum, going unbeaten in their last 9 and winning 5 straight across all competitions. They’re still in the race for second place, and with Arsenal showing cracks, Pep Guardiola’s side could pile on pressure with another three points here.
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 1-0 to City via an early Erling Haaland strike. This time, it could be more brutal.
Betting Tips:
Man City -1.5 Handicap – Southampton are sinking without trace. They've lost by 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5, and City have the firepower to cover the spread.
Over 2.5 Goals – Southampton leak goals for fun, and with City hitting stride (9 goals in last 4 PL games), this line looks soft.
Man City to Win to Nil – The Saints have scored just 3 goals in their last 6 outings and haven’t kept a clean sheet in 16. City are well-drilled and should cruise here.
Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer – Scored the winner in the reverse fixture and has netted in 3 of his last 4 appearances. Against this backline, it’s hard to see him blanking.
First Half Result – Man City – Southampton have conceded first in 4 of their last 5; City have opened the scoring in 4 of theirs.
Stat Angle: Southampton have collected just 5 points from 17 home games — the worst home record in the league. Backing City early and heavy makes sense.
