Southampton: Smother Toure, Press High Up The Pitch And Get Balls Into The Box Against Manchester City

Southampton have lost four of their last five games. Manchester City have won four on the bounce. The two meet each other at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon and it seems as though it would be a nailed-on away victory. Saints can take solace from the fact that City are poor on the road, though, and the Hampshire club are usually solid at home. But what can Mauricio Pochettino do to increase their chances of a win?

Firstly, their pressing game should benefit them in the tie.

Pressing from high up the pitch is the best way to go about it, in my eyes, as Joleon Lescott and Martin Demichelis aren’t the best with their feet and they could find some lose change.

Secondly, they need to smother Yaya Toure.

It is far easier said than done, mind, but the big Ivorian is the engine of the City side. He keeps his team-mates ticking and has the ability to rip through the opposition with ease, something we saw in the week against West Brom.

Lastly, Southampton need to get balls in the box. Against Aston Villa on Wednesday the attempted a remarkable 48 crosses into the Villa area, connecting with 16. The more balls they deliver, the more Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Dani Osvaldo can potentially latch onto.