Manchester City Seek Champions League Spot Against Southampton Facing Relegation Record

In Premier League matchday 36, Manchester City visit Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium with a strong chance to secure a UEFA Champions League spot, trailing Arsenal by three points. Southampton, already relegated and bottom of the table with just 11 points, aim to avoid matching the record for the lowest-ever Premier League points total. Manchester City, unbeaten in their last nine matches and boosted by the return of Erling Haaland from injury, field a strong lineup including captain Kevin De Bruyne. Southampton continue under interim head coach Simon Rusk, struggling for form since February and with no new injury concerns. The match is part of a busy 3pm kickoff featuring other fixtures like Fulham vs Everton and Wolves vs Brighton, with City looking to sustain their recent winning momentum. Both teams' lineups and tactical approaches reflect their contrasting objectives for the remainder of the season.