Football
Southampton vs Manchester City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: May 10, 2025 Venue: St Mary’s Stadium Kickoff Time: 16:00 Southampton have had a challenging season, but this offers a valuable opportunity to rebuild and come back stronger next season. Competing in the Championship will provide a solid foundation for the Saints to implement necessary changes and work their way back to the Premier League. On the other hand, Manchester City has regained their form in recent weeks, playing with the confidence we’ve come to expect from them. Despite a season that fell short of their high standards, City appears to have secured qualification for the Champions League next season.
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Adam Lallana runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Mateo Kovacic//Getty Images
Additionally, they have a chance to be crowned FA Cup champions, which could transform a disappointing season into a successful one. To make the most of your wagers on this matchup, consider using one of the top-rated football betting sites.
With just two home games remaining in the Premier League, Southampton will need to do all they can to give their fans a memorable send-off before transitioning to the Championship. The Saints are preparing for another difficult match as they welcome Manchester City to St Mary’s Stadium on May 10, 2025. SportBoom previews this English Premier League fixture and provides detailed insight into head-to-head records, current form, and betting tips.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME: 46/5 (10.2) – 9.8%
DRAW: 28/5 (6.6) – 15.2%
AWAY: 6/25 (1.24) – 80.6%
Odds courtesy of 1Win, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
26/10/2024: Man City 1-0 Southampton
08/04/2023: Southampton 1-4 Man City
11/01/2023: Southampton 2-0 Man City
08/10/2022: Man City 4-0 Southampton
20/03/2022: Southampton 1-4 Man City
Southampton Current Form – LLDLL
Southampton interim manager Simon Rusk, who has overseen the last four games after the sacking of Ivan Juric, has inherited a difficult scenario but insists that his players have not given up, even if it looks like they have. However, the defeat to Leicester showed a lack of effort and fight, which has raised questions about their determination to finish the season off strong.
In the last five games, the Saints have registered four defeats with one ending in a draw. They faced back-to-back losses against Tottenham and Aston Villa, followed by a massive performance which earned them a point away to West Ham, but failed to build on that performance and fell to consecutive defeats against Fulham and Leicester City. They have conceded 11 goals and scored three, highlighting the difficulties they have experienced throughout the season in both defence and attack.
Key Players To Watch
- Aaron Ramsdale: Ramsdale is particularly known for his remarkable reflexes and shot-stopping abilities. He has a knack for making crucial saves in high-pressure situations, often pulling off spectacular reflex saves that keep his team in the game. Beyond his shot-stopping skills, Ramsdale is also recognised for his exceptional distribution.
- Kyle Walker-Peters: Walker-Peters is known for his ability to play effectively on both the right and left sides of the defence. He is strong defensively, with excellent tackling and interception abilities. His awareness and positioning help him to break up opposition attacks and protect his team's backline. Under certain tactical systems, Walker-Peters has been utilised as an inverted full-back. This role allows him to move into more central positions and contribute to the team's build-up play.
- Mateus Fernandes: Fernandes is a versatile midfielder known for his all-action style and elite physical attributes. He primarily plays as a central midfielder and is capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. He is confident in possession and has excellent ball control, making positive and intelligent decisions. While he often plays in a holding midfield role, he can also push forward and support the attack.
Southampton Team News
Simon Rusk has no injury concerns and has a full squad to select from as they prepare for a tough battle against a very strong Manchester City side.
Man City Current Form – DWWWW
Pep Guardiola has been critical of his management this season and has stated that he will “take a break” when his time is up with the Sky Blues. The Spaniard has enjoyed a trophy-laden time at City since taking charge in 2016, including six Premier League titles (the previous four in a row) and a Champions League that was part of a treble in 2023. Guardiola has transformed City into one of the best teams in world football, but injuries this season have seen them fall way below their high standards.
Having said that, City have shown improved form in recent weeks and are playing with confidence as they enter this fixture unbeaten in their last five matches. The hot streak began with a goalless draw in the Manchester derby, followed by four consecutive victories that have shown class is permanent in this City squad. This turnaround in form has secured Champions League football for next season, and Guardiola will aim to maintain this streak as they edge closer to their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, whom they demolished at the Etihad.
Key Players To Watch
- Omar Marmoush: Marmoush is extremely quick and uses his speed to drive at defences, making him a constant threat on the counterattack. He has excellent ball control and is a clean striker of the ball, making him effective in front of goal and on set pieces. His sharp movements and ability to exploit spaces make him a dangerous player in the box.
- Bernardo Silva: Silva has exceptional ball control and dribbling ability, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure. His ability to see and execute precise passes makes him a crucial playmaker. He often creates scoring opportunities with his intelligent distribution and helps defensively by pressing opponents and recovering possession.
- Kevin De Bruyne: Since joining Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne has been a central figure in their success. He excels at delivering perfectly timed and accurate passes, often breaking down defences with his exceptional vision. His ball control and dribbling ability allow him to initiate attacks from all areas on the field. Additionally, the Belgian has no issues finding the back of the net and is also very efficient from set pieces in the final third.
Man City Team News
Nathan Ake (foot) and John Stones (thigh) are still recovering from their respective injuries and may not make another appearance before the season ends. Erling Haaland made the bench in the previous game and could find himself in the starting lineup if given the green light by the medical staff.
Predicted Line-Up
Southampton: 3-4-2-1
A. Ramsdale, T. Harwood-Bellis, J. Bednarek, J. Stephens, K. Walker-Peters, F. Downes, L. Ugochukwu, R. Manning, M. Fernandes, K. Sulemana, P. Onuachu
Man City: 4-2-3-1
Ederson, R. Lewis, A. Khusanov, V. Reis, N. O’Reilly, M. Kovacic, N. Gonzalez, J. Grealish, K. De Bruyne, Savinho, O. Marmoush
Suggested Bets
A great way to kick things off before placing your bet on this fixture is by choosing a sportsbook with a healthy welcome bonus.
Both Teams To Score (No): Man City will be too strong for Southampton to handle – I don’t even give them a goal. 97/100 (1.97) with Betway.
Total (Over 3.5): Southampton have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, and with the quality in attack for City, expect goals on the day. 97/100 (1.97) with 1xBet.
Handicap (Man City -2): Man City are the superior team and will dominate proceedings from the first whistle, which will see them find the back of the net on more than one occasion. Get on at 49/50 (1.98) with Stake.
Value Bets
By understanding key betting rules, you can make informed bets that give you a real edge over the bookmaker.
First Goal Time (11-20): City will create scoring opportunities early in the game since Southampton will not be able to match Guardiola's quality attack. 333/100 (4.33) with 1Win.
Nico O’Reilly – Anytime Goalscorer: O’Reilly has been playing well since making his debut and has shown his ability to attack and score goals. 5/2 (3.5) with BetWinner.
Goal Range (4-6 Goals): Southampton has not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 matches, and their current lack of confidence will allow Man City to assert their dominance and score goals.23/20 (2.15) with Bettilt.
Prediction: Man City to Win
Man City are the clear favourites to win this match. They come into this game with full confidence after four consecutive victories, while the hosts, Southampton, continue to struggle after picking up just two points across their last 11 matches.
Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.
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