Man City Starting XI vs Southampton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester City vs Southampton: Haaland Returns but Changes Expected in Premier League Clash

As Manchester City gear up for their visit to St Mary’s to face Southampton in Saturday’s Premier League fixture, the spotlight naturally falls on Erling Haaland, whose potential return to the starting lineup adds intrigue to an otherwise straightforward match-up.

Having been sidelined since the FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth, Haaland is now declared fit and “ready” by Pep Guardiola. While his return won’t come as a shock, it does pose a tactical question: does he start, or does Guardiola preserve him for the far more consequential FA Cup final next weekend against Crystal Palace?

Haaland Fit, but Guardiola Keeps Cards Close

Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press duties offered just enough to keep fans guessing. “He’s ready, he’s fit. Start? We decide tomorrow,” was his guarded assessment of Haaland’s chances. The Norwegian goal machine made the bench during City’s recent win over Wolves but remained unused, suggesting a cautious approach to his reintroduction.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s likely, then, that Omar Marmoush retains his role up front, not as a reflection on Haaland’s form but more on the rhythm and recovery Guardiola demands of his stars. With the FA Cup final looming, this Premier League encounter may serve more as a finely balanced rehearsal than a must-win test.

Key Absences and Potential Rotations

Manchester City remain without several key names: Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, and John Stones. Guardiola confirmed that while Ake, Stones and Bobb are “partially training” with the group, none are in contention for the trip to Southampton.

Nico O’Reilly, meanwhile, continues to impress. The 19-year-old, who has slotted in on the left side of City’s back four, earned further praise from Guardiola. Expect O’Reilly to feature again in what is likely to be an unchanged defensive line-up. Ederson will remain between the posts, with Nunes, Dias and Gvardiol alongside O’Reilly in defence.

Photo: IMAGO

In midfield, the balance between experience and experimentation could again define City’s setup. Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are expected to start, with Gonzalez offering the energy and legs to compensate for the absence of Rodri.

Kevin De Bruyne may be given limited minutes from the bench, with this potentially his penultimate home appearance in a City shirt. Jack Grealish and Savinho should round out the front three alongside Marmoush, though much depends on Guardiola’s intent to rotate or solidify cohesion before Wembley.

Southampton Search for Positives

Southampton, struggling at the foot of the Premier League table, face a daunting challenge. Their status as bottom dwellers doesn’t flatter them, and results haven’t suggested a late-season miracle. Against Manchester City, they’ll be hoping for more than just damage limitation.

But hope is a poor defensive strategy against a team like City. Southampton will need composure on the ball and discipline off it. Any lapse—especially in transitions—could see them punished by the pace of Savinho or the guile of Bernardo.

While no Premier League fixture is a foregone conclusion, this is as close as it gets. If Southampton are to get anything from this game, they’ll need to deliver their best 90 minutes of the season—and hope City offer something less than theirs.

Predicted Manchester City XI

Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan, Bernardo Silva; Savinho, Marmoush, Grealish

Injured: Rodri, Ake, Stones, BobbTime and Date: 3pm, Saturday 10 May 2025Venue: St Mary’s StadiumBroadcast: Not televised live in the UK

Manchester City are expected to manage their resources carefully, as eyes inevitably shift towards the FA Cup final. But with Southampton on the schedule, Guardiola’s squad depth should be enough to maintain pressure at the top of the Premier League.