“Is it not a bit unfair”, “Deserved to start” – Manchester City fans express disappointment as 2 players are only named on the bench for game against Southampton

The Cityzens currently sit second in the league, a point off of league leaders Arsenal, and will be looking to keep their winning momentum going.

Pep Guardiola's side are unbeaten in all competitions and demolished their cross-city rivals Manchester United 6-3 last time out in the league.

Grealish impressed in that win, proving problematic for United right-back Diogo Dalot.

He has made eight appearances in all competitions and is starting to live up to expectations upon becoming the most expensive British player in history.

The English winger has to settle for a place on the bench for the clash with the Saints and may feel aggrieved with Guardiola's decision.

Meanwhile, Gomez played for City against FC Copenhagen in a 5-0 win in the Champions League midweek.

The Spaniard only arrived at the Etihad Stadium this past summer from Belgian side Anderlecht for £11.7 million but is impressing with assured performances.

He has made seven appearances in all competitions but does not start for Manchester City against Ralph Hassenhuttl's side.

Guardiola has gone with Ederson in goal, with Joao Cancelo, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake in defense.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva are in midfield, with the trio having been at their usual best in the victory over United last weekend.

It is Riyad Mahrez replacing Grealish in the starting XI and he joins the irrepressible Erling Haaland and Phil Foden in attack.

The duo managed a hat-trick apiece in the Manchester derby and will be eyeing more goals against a Saints side who have shipped 13 goals in the league.

Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter who wanted to see both Grealish and Gomez start against Southampton at the Etihad:

Manchester City will go top with win

Manchester City could move above Arsenal into top spot if they beat the Saints in today's clash.

The Gunners play tomorrow against Liverpool in a game that may have huge implications for a potential title challenge between City and Mikel Arteta's side.

The Cityzens are expected to beat a Southampton side who have come off the boil in recent games under Hassenhuttl.

The Saints sit 16th, losing their last three fixtures, and there are question marks over Hassenhuttl's position.

About the author

Matthew is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda who has been covering news, rumors and match reports for close to 3 years. Learning creative writing from University of Essex, he combined his skills and passion for football take up writing for the sport professionally.

Matthew always strives to go beyond a story and offer unique and lesser-known insights, while maintaining an unbiased tone in his articles. His reporting exploits at the company have helped him gain a humungous readership of 25 million, with one of his articles raking in a whopping 724,000 reads.

A Manchester United fan since childhood, Matthew admired Sir Alex Ferguson for his loyalty and brave coaching style. His favorite footballer is Thierry Henry, believing the Frenchman to be uniquely talented and charismatic. An ardent Three Lions fan, England's penalty shootout win over Colombia in 2018 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment of all time, and he believes that Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe will have a Ballon d’Or duopoly after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He also follows his local EFL League Two clubs AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United, and spends his free time watching and writing about professional wrestling. He also likes to work out, watch movies and go for night outs.

Know More