No mystery to Saints struggles, they're just a very good team

CITY have twice been held to a draw by today's FA Cup opponents Southampton this season. But manager Pep Guardiola says there is no secret to the hold that the Saints seem to have over his side in the current campaign, as they shape up for the quarter-final tie.

- STUART BRENNAN

Guardiola appears to have extra interest in Southampton and their players - he famously accosted Nathan Redmond after a match at the Etihad in 2017, and had an intense discussion with manager Ralph Hassenhutl after the two sides drew 1-1 at St Mary's in January. That might be because the Saints are becoming quite a thorn in the side of the Blues, or simply because they are one of those Premier League clubs that consistently punches above its weight, both in terms of results and producing excellent young players.