Last summer, Southampton (under new management) and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City initiated future plans for their respective sides.

Not a single Premier League fan, or Citizen to boot, could have envisaged the evolution of Guardiola’s side. Dropping two points in 13 games and finding themselves eight points ahead at the top of the table, Guardiola finds his team in excellent form approaching the fixture-congested winter.

Having won their last 18 games in all competitions, the Blues have broken numerous records along the way, including winning a game after losing at half time for the first time.

Following on from a successful, albeit short spell at La Liga minnows Alaves, Mauricio Pellegrino secured the head role at St. Mary’s, looking to propel the Saints into contention for the Europa League places.

An underwhelming lack of goals combined with solid defensive foundation has resulted in the Saints to stick slap bang in the middle. A convincing win against struggling Everton proved that playing a wide game combined with prolific Charlie Austin provides goals.

Distinct styles of play exist within both camps, but old friends Guardiola and Pellegrino are not dissimilar.

“Mauricio made an amazing job at Alaves last season.” Guardiola said.

“We were together for one or two seasons. It was an amazing experience. He was so curious about football – he was always talking about tactics.”

This Saints side are capable of retaining possession and creating a volume of opportunities, however, the midfield battles against the opposition (specifically Fernandinho and Kevin de Bruyne) will be key as to who emerges victorious.

Pellegrino is expected to stick to the same side which beat Everton on Sunday, with an attacking trio of James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic and Sofiane Boufal playing behind Austin.

Guardiola is renowned for a singular playstyle; one of possession, structure and control. With wingers Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane offering width, this gives more space for creative maestros de Bruyne and David Silva to provide the spark at a moment’s notice to change the game’s outcome.

Fluidity in a rigid system is exactly the unpredictable, tactical nous to provide goals in abundance; English winger Sterling bagging 14 in 15 appearances.

Comparing that with the Saint’s top talismen, (Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini and Steven Davis: 3 goals each) lack of goals is proving to be Pellegrino’s problem area.

Only showing red twice in eighteen games, referee Paul Tierney takes charge of this fixture. Even with a relaxed disciplinary record, both teams should beware. Fernandinho and Sane are one yellow card away from suspension.

If the Blues carry out another routine victory, then the question begs to be asked: can anybody stop them?

Twitter: @Dean98T