Guardiola could recall Man City duo for Southampton match

The Manchester City manager could make more rotations to his line-up ahead of the Premier League match against Southampton.

Sergio Aguero and Phil Foden could start against Southampton on Wednesday night after failing to make the line-up in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola benched the duo against United, with only Foden making an appearance in a 20-minute cameo.

But as a victory over Southampton would restore City’s 14-point lead in the Premier League, the manager is considering a recall.

“Maybe. I will decide tomorrow,” said Guardiola on Aguero and Foden starting during his pre-match conference on Tuesday afternoon.

“I have an idea in general of the guys who will play but I have a few doubts. Tomorrow I will decide.”

Aguero has started just one league game since October due to injury problems and illness, while Foden hasn’t made the line-up since a 3-1 win over Everton on February 17.

Summer signing Nathan Ake, meanwhile, is available for selection again. Therefore, Guardiola has no injury or suspension worries for the Southampton match.

PEP 💬 Everyone is ok. [Fully fit squad] 😃

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 9, 2021

Despite the disappointing defeat to United, which ended a 21-match winning run, the Citizens boss has no plans to change his approach.

“We are not going to be depressed – it’s football,” said Guardiola. “You can lose games. The not normal thing is what we have done [winning run]. United is a top side, top club.

“Every team is fighting for something. We are seeing how tough the games are. Tomorrow will not be an exception.

“We think of the next one, be focused, positive. We want to continue being who we are and if we do this, we will win more games.”