Puel confident Saints can get result against Man City

Southampton manager Claude Puel is in confident mood ahead of Manchester City’s visit to St Mary’s on Saturday.

Saints will go into the game chasing a third straight league victory, after wins against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion in the past seven days.

Southampton are currently ninth in the Premier League with 40 points, while City are fourth on 61.

Puel’s side earned a creditable 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium when the sides met earlier in the season.

And the Saints boss is confident his side can upset the apple cart once more, despite the talent at City boss Pep Guardiola’s disposal.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“We know the next game against Manchester City is a strong challenge, a great team, but it’s better to play against Manchester City after two wins, as it gives us confidence,” Puel said.

“We play at home and, with the support of the fans, we can do fantastic work against them.

“It was a good result for this week, but it’s not finished. It is just the start of the run-in.
“We have eight games now and it’s very important to stay with this good focus, concentration and rhythm.
“For example, [West Brom] was for me the same as the last game against Crystal Palace, with a good consistency the whole game and this is very important.

“We played very well in the first half when we had the ball, and second half against their long ball we defended very well. All the details were important to resist and preserve this result.”