Preview: Southampton vs. Manchester City

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman will be aware that his side could lose momentum in the Premier League should they suffer defeat to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The draw at Aston Villa on Monday night allowed City to close the gap on the Saints to two points and they will drop to third should they lose their unbeaten record at St Mary's.

The Dutch coach would have been disappointed with the point in the West Midlands, but their late fightback ensured that they remain without a league defeat since losing to Tottenham Hotspur on October 5.

Midfielder Steven Davis could return after sitting out the stalemate at Villa but if he is included in the squad, he will likely have to make do with a place on the bench.

Despite recording back-to-back victories over Swansea City and Bayern Munich, question marks remain over Manchester City, who continue to struggle to register a routine win.

Their latest wins saw them come from behind to record success in the Premier League and Champions League, but manager Manuel Pellegrini will be aware that they need to improve, especially in defence.

City remain without David Silva, Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov, but Pellgrini's squad is boosted by the return of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho, who were both suspended for the triumph over Bayern.

Pablo Zabaleta, who dropped to the bench in midweek, could replace either Bacary Sagna or Gael Clichy at full-back.

Southampton:

Form in Premier League: LWWWWD Form in all competitions: WWWWWD

Possible starting lineup: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Tadić; Long, Mane, Pelle

Manchester City:

Form in Premier League: WWLWDW Form in all competitions: LWLDWW

Possible starting lineup: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Clichy; Fernandinho, Navas, Toure, Milner, Jovetic; Aguero

Sports Mole says: 1-3