90min

The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Southampton

By Vayam Lahoti

Sergio Agüero should lead the line for a City side that has been short on goals of late
Sergio Agüero should lead the line for a City side that has been short on goals of late / Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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After successive draws against Manchester United and West Brom, Manchester City come up against Southampton at St Mary's looking to get their Premier League title charge firing.

Pep Guardiola's side have been uncharacteristically lethargic of late, looking toothless in attack despite enjoying their usual glut of possession.

As ever at this time of year, and particularly because it's, you know, 2020, the fixtures are piling up, meaning squad management and rotation is once again coming to the fore. City have been without some of their best players at various points this season, but they actually have a pretty clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Ralph Hasenhuttl's in-form Saints.

Here's how Guardiola should have side lined up when the first whistle blows.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ederson (GK) - Keeping clean sheets is the bread and butter for any keeper, and the Brazilian has had a number of those of late. Would have had another against West Brom were it not for a wicked deflection.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Rested in midweek but is far too valuable to be sitting on the sidelines. Is also one of City's fittest players, which helps when the fixture list is as congested as it is right now.

Rúben Dias (CB) - The 23-year-old has brought back some much-needed leadership at the heart of defence. Already one of the first names on Guardiola's teamsheet.

John Stones (CB) - Stones has shown commendable character to force his way back into the side, leaving Aymeric Laporte with a watching brief of late.

Benjamin Mendy (LB) - Has rotated with Joao Cancelo, but is probably still City's best option when in peak condition.

2. Midfielders


Rodri Hernández (CM) - Wasn't a guaranteed starter last season but has been ever-present in 2020/21; the only outfield player who can boast that appearance record.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - City may have been struggling of late, but De Bruyne has been at the top of his game. Will be relishing Sergio Aguero's return to the side, as somebody may actually finish the chances he creates.

İlkay Gündoğan (CM) - Has been one of City's most influential players in recent weeks, and should keep his place after scoring in midweek.

3. Forwards

Sergio Agüero should start from the off after a few months out on the sidelines
Sergio Agüero should start from the off after a few months out on the sidelines / Michael Regan/Getty Images


Riyad Mahrez (RW) - City's top scorer this season, Mahrez is a near certain starter after being rested against West Brom.

Sergio Agüero (ST) - Boy oh boy have City missed the relentless goalscoring of Aguero. A bright cameo against West Brom suggests he's ready to go, which will be a huge weight of expectation off of Gabriel Jesus' shoulders.

Ferran Torres (LW) - A likely replacement for Raheem Sterling, who is in dire need of a breather.