Sergio Aguero showed the world what he is capable of when he destroyed Bayern Munich single-handedly in a marquee Champions League showdown Tuesday. He will look to translate that performance to the domestic scene this coming Sunday, though, it won’t be that easy as he’ll face the Premier League’s best defensive team in Southampton.
Can Aguero keep the goals coming? Or will he hit a brick wall against the league’s stingiest defense? Read on for a complete preview of this matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the Premier League game between Chelsea and Sunderland here.
Where would Manchester City be without Sergio Aguero? The Argentine striker reminded everybody of his brilliance once again when he scored a stunning hat-trick against Bayern Munich on Tuesday to keep their Champion League dreams very much alive. In an interview after the game, though, Aguero’s focus quickly shifted to their Premier League clash with Southampton with Chelsea starting to create some separation at the top of the league table.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]He said, “It is important to carry on like this and keep the results coming. It was important to win. Apart from my goals the three points were vital, so we’re delighted. I am happy with my form. This season things are going well for me.” That last part would definitely rank as one of the understatements of the year.
Aguero has scored 17 goals in 18 appearances for the Citizens this year. With Manchester City struggling in their Premier League title defense this year, the Argentinian has took it upon himself to carry the scoring cudgels for the club as he has scored 12 goals in the league this season, the best mark in the entire EPL.
He will look to continue his form against a Southampton side that has surprised many with their strong play this season. The Saints have been unstoppable at home lately, winning their last five games at St. Mary’s. The Citizens, on the other hand, have hit a rough patch on the road recently, going winless in their last two outings.
Their last game was the most disappointing of all as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Queens Park Rangers, the team with the worst record in the Premier League this season. They sorely missed the services of captain Vincent Kompany in that game as he was out because of a calf injury.
The good news for City fans, though, is that he’s fit and ready to go against Southampton this coming Sunday. His influence at the back is a major factor behind their success last year and that has proven to be the case this season as well as City have won their last two assignments with Kompany back in the starting lineup.
He will have to be at his best, though, against Southampton as the Saints are the second-best team in the EPL this season in scoring with 24 goals already to their name.
Manchester City are 3-1-2 on the road this season.
If someone said before the season started that Southampton will have a much better record in the Premier League than Manchester City heading into their Week 13 showdown, they would have been laughed out of the room. In a season that’s been filled with shocks and surprises, however, that is the reality that we live in heading into their top-of-the-table clash this coming Sunday.
The Saints are currently in second place in the Premier League table, just six points behind leaders Chelsea. It could have been just four points if they managed to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park last Monday (game finished 1-1). Southampton fans surely won’t complain, though, with their side right above European heavyweights such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and their next opponents Manchester City.
So what’s the secret behind their success? Well, the Saints have made St. Mary’s a fortress. They have the second-best home record in the Premier League this season, scoring 16 points out of a possible 18. They’re next only to Chelsea who have won every game at Stamford Bridge this season.
Their goal difference at home is an astounding +16 with the Saints dominating on both the offensive and defensive ends. They have scored an impressive 17 goals at home this campaign while allowing just a single goal in their six games there so far. The following week brings a tough stretch, however, for Southampton as they face Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in a span of just nine days.
Full back Nathaniel Clyne is relishing the opportunity to meet these big clubs, saying, “We’re buzzing for it. There are some big games coming up thick and fast and we have to be mentally prepared.” His confidence stems from the fact that he’s part of a defense that is best in the entire Premier League this season.
Through 12 games, the Saints have allowed just six goals. They are the only team in the EPL whose goals allowed remains in the single-digit category. They are an even better defensive team at home as they have kept four clean sheets during their current five-game winning run.
They will have a fight in their hands, though, when Manchester City travel to St. Mary’s this coming weekend. The Citizens boast of the second-best attack in the EPL this season with 24 goals to their name.
