The 2020/21 campaign was never going to be an easy one for Manchester City – the fact pre-season training began just 16 days after their Champions League defeat to Lyon is often overlooked.
Yet few would have envisioned Pep Guardiola’s side sitting ninth in the Premier League table heading into the Christmas period, although they do have a game in hand on seven of the sides above them.
City have often appeared weary in matches this term, lacking the incisiveness and ruthlessness that has defined much of Guardiola’s reign at the Etihad Stadium.
A 0-0 stalemate with Manchester United last weekend at Old Trafford was, on reflection, a solid point given the circumstances of the campaign.
But the 1-1 draw which followed against relegation battlers West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night was hugely disappointing.
Yes, the schedule is unrelenting. And yes, this is a season like no other. But it’s difficult to shake a feeling that Guardiola has been slightly too cautious this term.
At their best, City dominate teams. They impose their game on the opposition and then beat them into submission through intricate passing patterns and high-intensity pressing.
That hasn’t been possible this term for obvious reasons. Yet Guardiola naming two pivots – Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan – against West Brom was as concerning as it was curious.
It, quite simply, isn’t his style. It was too safe, too mindful of a threat that was unlikely to come.
Which is why, against Southampton tomorrow, Guardiola should revert to what has made him so successful.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are enjoying a fine campaign and appear to have more energy than most, but City possess the quality to bypass their press and create chances if allowed to do so.
Fernandinho didn’t feature in midweek so is likely to return to the starting XI at St Mary’s and it would be a sign of intent if Guardiola was to name two numbers eights ahead of the Brazilian.
One of those will be Kevin De Bruyne, who the Catalan insisted would not be rested if he was fit.
“No, he is so important for us that he won't rest,” Guardiola said ahead of the game. “He rested in the Champions League previously and right now we need him.”
Starting Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden alongside the Belgian may be an option Guardiola takes to add midfield creativity and another attack-minded presence in possession.
Riyad Mahrez may come into the side having not played against West Brom with Raheem Sterling starting on the opposite flank.
Gabriel Jesus is likely to lead the attack once more after Guardiola revealed Sergio Aguero had suffered a small injury problem after the draw with the Baggies.
“After the game he could not train, yesterday no training, today he trained,” the City boss said. "He trained really well but I don't know how many minutes [he will play against Southampton].”
In defence, Kyle Walker should start with Joao Cancelo moving over to left-back. John Stones was omitted from the squad in midweek but may return at centre-back. .
His partner? Likely Ruben Dias, although Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte are also available for selection.
Manchester City predicted XI vs Southampton: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, B.Silva; Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez.
