After a bit of a no-show from both Manchester City and Real Madrid in midweek, the Citizens turn their attention back to the Premier League this weekend as they go to Southampton on Sunday.
Manuel Pellegrini's side cannot win the title this season and they need to be careful of losing their place in the top four with neighbours Manchester United closing in.
Southampton
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The home side, after almost crashing the top-four party last season, have again had a solid campaign and come into this match eighth in the table, comfortably seven points clear of defending champions Chelsea below them.
Southampton are in good form having won four of their last six matches, last week becoming the latest side to swat away the challenge of rockbottom Aston Villa.
Shane Long scored the first against Villa and this is now the Irishman's best goalscoring season in the Premier League (nine goals). Long has also had a hand in eight goals in his last eight league appearances (four goals, four assists).
Sadio Mane added the fourth in stoppage time and he now has four goals in his last five Premier League games for Southampton; this after a run of 19 league appearances without scoring.
That match was away at Villa Park, but at home Ronald Koeman's side have claimed victory in six of of their last eight games at St Mary's (D1, L1).
Koeman himself has been asked about his long-term future with his contract up next summer, and he said this week that he is keen to stay but is in no rush to extend his contract.
Southampton have fired in the most open-play crosses in the Premier League this season (654) and have scored the most headed goals (14).
Recent form: WWLWDW
Man City
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City are finally in the mix in the Champions League after several years of failure in Europe's elite competition.
Although facing 10-time champions Real Madrid is a daunting ask, it was probably the kindest draw they could have got, especially with Los Blancos missing superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo for the first leg on Tuesday.
The visitors also lost Karim Benzema to injury at half time, but City could not really take advantage as it finished goalless ahead of Wednesday's return leg in the Spanish capital.
It is such a huge match next week for Pellegrini, so this match on the south coast might not be as important but City do have to be wary of Man United, who are five points behind but with a game in hand on their neighbours.
City are in good form in the league, though, having won four out of five unbeaten matches. Last weekend they put four past Stoke City and Kelechi Iheanacho impressed with a second-half brace.
Sergio Aguero also netted and the Argentine star has now scored in each of his last five Premier League appearances, but he has never scored in six in a row in the competition. Should he achieve that feat, he would go level with Harry Kane at the top of the scoring charts before Spurs play on Monday night.
Joe Hart could make his 300th Premier League appearance in this match and would be the sixth English goalkeeper to reach this landmark in the competition.
Kevin De Bruyne may not start, but the Belgian has created a team-high 71 goalscoring chances for City in his debut season, despite appearing in only 23 of their 35 games.
Recent Premier League form: LWWWDW
Recent form (all competitions): WWWDWD
Team News
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Man City playmaker David Silva is out for at least a fortnight after suffering a hamstring injury against Madrid in midweek.
Yaya Toure is back in training after a thigh injury but will not be involved, while Samir Nasri is fit and available. Iheanacho should start again after his goals against Stoke.
Raheem Sterling has had a hand in five goals in his last four Premier League matches against Southampton and could also be in the side here.
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle could return after sitting out last weekend's win at Aston Villa, while fellow striker Charlie Austin is also available.
Defender Florin Gardos has finally recovered from his long-term knee problem but is unlikely to be considered for selection.
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Forster; Martina, Van Dijk, Fonte, Bertrand; Clasie, Wanyama; Mane, Long, Tadic; Pelle
Man City possible starting lineup:
Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov; Delph, Fernando; Navas, Iheanacho, Sterling; Aguero
Head To Head
Southampton have won just one of their last nine Premier League games against Man City, losing the last four and conceding 12 goals in that time.
The reverse at the Etihad in November was a 3-1 win for the hosts, who moved top of the table at the time.
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We say: Southampton 1-1 Man City
With a trip to Madrid around the corner, it is hard to imagine City being at their best here, and Southampton should be confident of at least a point given their good form at home.
Pascal Lemesre
