PREM: Southampton v Manchester City preview

Southampton v Manchester City preview

Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City to bounce back from their recent Premier League defeats when they visit Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester mean it is the first time in two years that City have lost back-to-back Premier League games and they have now suffered three defeats in four league matches, following their loss at Chelsea earlier in the month.

But Guardiola remains confident in his team's ability and has backed them to bounce back, saying: "The less important issue is Liverpool, we have to think about Southampton. I don't forget who we are, how good a team we are, how exceptional these lads I have in the locker room are.

"The reality is we have lost three in four games and the last two. If you want to be real contenders you have to win again. If you don't, it will not be possible."

Ralph Hasenhuttl says Southampton will have to produce a "perfect performance" to pile more misery on City.

He said: "It's not normal for Manchester City to lose two times in a row. We expect the most difficult challenge that is possible. If we want to keep something in St Mary's we have to play a perfect performance.

"We have to be patient with what we expect from this team now after the two victories over Arsenal and Huddersfield. It will be a hard and long journey until the end of the season."

Manchester City could again be without Fernandinho for the trip to Southampton while Fabian Delph is suspended.

Fernandinho has missed City's last two league outings - both defeats - with a thigh problem and will again be assessed, while Delph is beginning a three-match ban for his sending off at Leicester.

David Silva is back in action after coming off the bench on Boxing Day but Benjamin Mendy (knee) and Claudio Bravo (Achilles) are still unavailable.

Mario Lemina is a doubt for Southampton after picking up a stomach problem while Ryan Bertrand (back) is out. Pierre-Emile Hobjerg will return after serving a one-match suspension in Thursday's 2-1 loss to West Ham, while Michael Obafemi remains out of action after picking up a knock in training.