Preview: Manchester City vs. Southampton

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 17 August 2012

Manchester City kick off the defence of their Premier League title by taking on new boys Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Manchester City begin the defence of their Premier League title with a home clash against newly-promoted side Southampton.

The blue half of Manchester have been relatively quiet in the transfer window this summer so far, with Everton's Jack Rodwell being the only acquisition for manager Roberto Mancini.

While the midfielder is not expected to feature on Sunday, familiar faces should fill the City side, including captain Vincent Kompany, who will line the back four with Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez partnering up front.

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is expected to be without Jack Cork after the midfielder picked up an ankle problem during the Saints' pre-season schedule. However, new signings Nathaniel Clyne and Jay Rodriguez are in contention to start at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

While the coastal club have agreed a reported £11.8m fee for Bologna playmaker Gaston Ramirez, the Uruguayan will not be eligible to play on Sunday.

Possible lineups:

Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Yaya Toure, De Jong; Silva, Nasri; Tevez, Aguero

Southampton: K Davis; Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox; Guly, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Lallana; Rodriguez, Lambert

Sports Mole says: 3-0