Sun Oct 27 04:55:25 UTC 2024: ## Manchester City Eye Top Spot With Southampton Clash, De Bruyne Remains Out

**Manchester, England** – Manchester City is gearing up for their Premier League clash against struggling Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, aiming to secure a win that would put them provisionally at the top of the table.

However, City will be without key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who remains sidelined with an injury. Manager Pep Guardiola, while remaining tight-lipped on the severity of De Bruyne’s injury, confirmed his absence for the match. Other absentees include Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish.

Despite these absences, City are confident in their chances, particularly with the return to form of Phil Foden. Foden, who had a slow start to the season due to illness, scored a goal within three minutes of Wednesday’s Champions League win over Sparta Prague.

City currently sits on 20 points, trailing league leaders Liverpool by one point. A win against Southampton would allow them to overtake Liverpool, who play Arsenal on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Southampton remains at the bottom of the table with only one point. City will also be looking to extend their unbeaten streak at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League to two years.

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