City visited the Saints for their 23rd match of the league. The Saints are currently placed twelfth in the league table, successfully stopping City’s winning streak of 12 games. Kyle Walker-Peters gave an early lead to Southampton by a superb finish to a very well-led counterattack in the seventh minute. The Saints were leading by the end of first half instead of many attacks attempted on goal by City. The league leaders started the second half very positively and showed their intention to win the game.
Although the Saint’s defence was up for the task as well. In the 60th minute, Pep used his squad strength by putting on G. Jesus for R. Sterling, and a few minutes later this showed the difference. Four minutes on the field Jesus was able to win a free kick in the attacking half from which KDB assisted Laporte with a beautiful cross that ended behind the net with an equally beautiful header. This scoreline remained the same till the end, instead of City’s three shots hitting the post.
City’s performance was satisfactory but the end result was not as they were able to secure only a point. This gave a ray of hope to Liverpool and Chelsea as they could reduce the gap and spice up the Title race. City’s next game comes after a break of 14 days when they will welcome Fulham for the Fourth Round of the FA cup.
FA Cup
In the FA cup City played against Swindon Town in their 3rd round matchup where they registered a comfortable win 4-1. City saw 4 different goalscorers in B. Silva, Jesus, Gundogan and Palmer. The teenager made his debut in the FA cup and did it in style by scoring in the 82nd minute.
The English Champions lifted the FA cup in 2019 and since then they are unable to go past the Semi-Finals. In 2020 they were knocked out by Arsenal which was managed by their ex-assistant coach Arteta, and in 2021 Chelsea blew them off. Recent records show that City are doing well in the earlier stages of the tournament, so the next game against a Championship side won’t be a problem for them. City play them at the Etihad Stadium on 5th Feb. and their goal scoring record at home has been very good as they have scored 15 goals in the last 4 matches.
Fulham are leading the Championship, with 12 points ahead of the second position. They have been dominant throughout their season and in the recent games they have scored goals very easily. The last four games saw them score 22 goals, 12 of them came in two away matches where they scored 6 in each of them. Their last FA cup tie against Bristol City went to extra time where H. Wilson secured the winner in the 105th minute.
Betting Odds :-
As per Betway Manchester City are likely to win the game, the odds are 1.11 to 23.00.
Players to watch :-
City
- B. Silva :- Silva has scored 8 goals across all competitions and has been very helpful in the midfield.
- G. Jesus :- In 25 appearances he has assisted 9 goals and scored 6.
Fulham
- A. Mitrovic :- Top scorer of the team with 27 goals in 26 appearances is the main reason for their current position.
- H. Wilson :- This Right Winger has provided 11 assists and scored 9 goals.
