The pundits have had their say ahead of Southampton vs Manchester CitySport
Sean McCormick Football Content Editor
08:00, 10 May 2025
Chris Sutton, Mark Lawrenson and Paul Merson have had their say on Southampton vs Man City
Manchester City make the long trip down south to face rock bottom Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
City know a win will move them one step closer to securing Champions League qualification next season and if results go their way they could even as good as secure a top five place this weekend.
That scenario is unlikely but three points at St Mary’s would mean City would be in third place in the Premier League table and in a commanding position heading into the final two league matches of the season.
And they will be heavy favourites to win against a Southampton team who are already relegated and who are on course to level the record for the worst ever Premier League points tally.
Southampton are sat on 11 points and the record was also 11 points that was set by Derby County during the 2007/08 season.
City head into the game unbeaten in nine matches and although a number of Premier League pundits are confident they will win easily at Southampton, one isn’t convinced they have managed to ‘cover over the cracks’ that emerged earlier in the season.
Chris Sutton
The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: “Manchester City have got the FA Cup final to look forward to next weekend but they also have a top-five place to secure, so there is no danger they will not be fully focused on that on Saturday.
“After winning their past four league games, City also have some real momentum for the first time in a long while. You have to go back to August for the last time they managed a run like that.
“So, I can only see one outcome at St Mary’s Stadium, and it is going to leave Southampton stuck on 11 points for at least another week. The only question here really is how many goals City score.”
Sutton’s prediction: Southampton 0-3 Man City
Paul Merson
The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: “This is the perfect game for Manchester City at this stage of the season. I can see them cruising to a win here.
“City have started to win football matches again, however, they haven’t been amazingly great or anything. They are definitely nowhere near the team we’ve seen in the past. But considering how this season has played out, I believe simply winning games is all that matters to them now!
“I’m expecting them to secure Champions League qualification with a win this weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished second at the end of the season either. These results are still covering over the cracks for City at the moment. So even if they finish second this season, they won’t win the league next year.”
Merson’s prediction: Southampton 0-3 Man City
Mark Lawrenson
The former BBC Sport pundit told Paddy Power: “Southampton’s epic quest for a 12th point will go on. Say no more.”
Lawrenson’s prediction: Southampton 0-3 Man City