Man City Match Zone

Lawro & Paul Merson Differ In Opinion Ahead Of Man City vs. Southampton

|

BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson and Sky Sports football pundit Paul Merson have, as usual, offered up their weekly Premier League predictions via their respective media outlets.

But, how do the so-called experts call this afternoon’s game between Manchester City and Southampton and how did they fair with their predictions (click on the links) before yesterday’s results?

Sunday 4 November 2018

Manchester City vs. Southampton

Etihad Stadium

Kick-off 3 pm GMT

Manchester City form

Recent form in Premier League: WWWDWW
Recent form (all competitions): WDWWWW

Southampton form

Recent form in Premier League: DLLLDD
Recent form (all competitions): LLWLDD

Mark Lawrenson – BBC

“Southampton cannot buy a goal at the moment – they have only managed six from their first 10 league games.

“So, their chances of getting anything out of this game will rely on their defence, and whether they can hold out at Etihad Stadium.

“Saints kept a clean sheet against Newcastle and Bournemouth in their past two games, but stopping City’s attack is something else entirely. I cannot see it happening.”

Lawro predicts City will in 3-0.

On the other hand, the former Gunner differs slightly in his opinion and predicts MCFC will win 4-0.

Paul Merson – Sky Sports

“What score do you want? Seriously.

“I’m going to go 4-0. This could be any score. Southampton hasn’t scored since I was 11, I don’t think. I’ve watched Manchester City play second gear against a good Tottenham team and win 1-0 away, with a fair few chances too.

“I saw them playing second gear against Burnley and beat them 5-0.”

My prediction

It’s not all about playing beautiful football, but in my opinion, it helps, especially if City beat the opposition.

There is no evidence to suggest MCFC will steamroll Soton, having said that there is nothing that makes me think our former manager can bring his struggling side and beat City at the Etihad.

For what it’s worth I am going to predict a home 3-1 win.

What do you think?

Share this article