Manchester City vs Southampton - Premier League 3pm fixtures RECAP: Live scores as there are THREE last-minute goals, two stunning turnarounds, while Erling Haaland sends Man City top

That was football at its brilliant best, wasn't it?

The drama in today's afternoon matches was unrelenting. There were three stoppage-time goals, comebacks, red cards, and penalties.

It simply had the lot.

Manchester City will end the day top of the Premier League head of Arsenal's clash with Liverpool tomorrow evening.

Meanwhile, Southampton prop up the table with just a solitary point after nine games. Not the best start to life back in the top flight.

Anyway, I'm going to shoot now. Thank you for joining me gang, I thoroughly enjoyed another captivating afternoon of footie.

Adios!

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

Today it was not how they [Southampton] defend deep it was how good they play with the ball with the keeper and the movement. It's a good game to learn as a manager. I am going to learn a lot with Russell because they did really well. We were humble and accepted that they did really well.

The last two games, Wolves and Southampton, are at the bottom of the league and if this is the level that shows how tough this Premier League is. They played really good. They didn't create many chances but it was an incredible effort to get the ball from us. We created chances that we couldn't convert but the result is good.

The build-up is exceptional. They open the channels. They link well with the striker and every moment makes sense. I knew after what people had said to me about Russell [Martin] and we tasted it today. The players were not bad, they were good. When a team plays that level you have to accept it.

Important thing is being there. We created chances, as always Erling [Haaland] had two or three clear ones. But I'm not concerned, it's important to have 23 points now.

Most of the teams defend so deep. Now we will play Spurs, Bournemouth and Brighton and they won't defend deep. So we have to adapt now. But lately a lot of defences sit so deep. We did create spaces to create, Savinho was really good today.

Yes, Southampton may have lost, but they will take some much-needed credit away from this afternoon's performance.

They didn't just sit back and take a beating from Manchester City, they made a good fist of it.

While they may be sitting bottom on just one point, Russell Martin's side can certainly build on today's display.

Certainly a more positive day than last week...

Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

Happy when you get one point at the end in the last minute. After fighting and being under pressure in a lot of parts of the game. I think we competed really well today. We started badly and they were better at the start. We had chances but it was a difficult game for us.

We are scoring in a lot of games in the last 15-20 minutes. We need this energy at the end I think sometimes we give too much importance to those starters and we have seen those who come on are just as important. It doesn't get any easier. We are competing well and showing some character. It is a valuable point.

What an end at Villa Park. Evanilson grabs a point with the last kick of the game, a brilliant header past Martinez. Aston Villa really did throw this game away, though.

Manchester City simply don't know how to lose, do they?

Even when they have games like they did today where they were far from their best, they still got the job done.

All that matters is the three points and they now sit top of the pile.

The fact they are now 32 Premier League games unbeaten is bonkers, the run just doesn't look like it will end.

How many games can they go?

I am out of breath! One of the most remarkable games in Premier League history and about four rewrites for my match report. It looked like Ipswich had thrown it away, then they had completely a stunning rescue act, before Mbeumo showed that football can be cruel. What a game and I'd be shocked if this one isn't first on Match of the Day tonight.

Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford matchwinner, speaking to PLP:

I know this type of cross can be dangerous, either a flick or no one touches it, and the keeper has doubt. In the end it was a goal and it was a really important win today.

They gave it their all in defence [with ten men], so it was really hard to find the gaps. It is not always easy but I think we showed big character today.

Harry Clarke will remember this day for the rest of his life.

However, it will forever be a painful afternoon to look back on for the young defender.

His first-ever Premier League start could not have gone any worse.

A triple whammy of bad luck to put his name in the history books.

At least he will always be remembered...

Football can be brutal.

These pictures tell you everything you need to know about how the Iopswich players are feeling.

Today was a rollercoaster of emotion for them and their fans.

The Tractor Boys went 2-0 up, but then Brentford turned it around to make it 3-2 and Harry Clarke was sent for an early bath.

But after all of that, they still managed to equalise with just minutes to go to seemingly earn themselves a huge point.

But it simply wasn't to be. A crushing defeat in what has been a tough start to the season.

Is James Corden about?

I mean, it was certainly the late, late show today, wasn't it? My word, I still don't have my breath back.

There were six goals in the final 10 minutes across three of the matches this afternoon.

Simply bonkers.

Wow! Football eh. Pandemonium at the Amex as Wolves equalise. Brighton had a three-on-one break but made a mess of it and Wolves went straight down the other end and scored through Cunha with his shot taking a heavy deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.

Wonderwall blares around the Etihad as City celebrate another win. They were far from their best but find themselves top of the table and will have every eye on that clash between Arsenal and Liverpool tomorrow.

I think I need a sit down...

The game of the day, or maybe even the season so far, has come to an end.

The Ipswich players are devastated, they fought so hard with 10 men to get back into at the end.

All for it to fall apart in the last minute.

I'm still dumbfounded at what has just happened.

Wolves earn just their second point of the season with a sensational comeback,

With just four minutes left on the clock, they went two goals down. But somehow, they netted twice to send their away end berserk.

Never. Give. Up.

Are you pulling my leg?

I mean, I'm out of words at this point. Brentford break Ipswich hearts right at the end.

Bryan Mbeumo flies down the right, cuts inside, and buries the ball into the top corner.

CHAOTIC SCENES.

And that was the last kick of the game.

Villa Park is deflated, they simply can't believe what has just happened.

Evanilson has salvaged a point for Bournemouth right at the end after they had been under the coach all game.

Simply mental.

Man City go top!

The Champions are back in the ascendency, but it was far from an easy afternoon.

Erling Haaland missed some mega chances, and they looked miles off it, but City got the job done.

Souithampton's miserable form continues.

RIGHT AT THE DEATH!

I simply can't believe what I am seeing. Evanilson silences Villa Park with the last kick of the game.

He rises above everyone to get a flick on a free-kick and the ball ends up in the far corner of the net.

Unbelievable.

What a comeback!

I can't believe it, just seven minutes after going 2-0, the visitors have salvaged a point at the Amex.

Matheus Cunha scrambles the ball home via a deflection in stoppage time and the away end goes nuts.

I'm simply stunned.

Almighty scramble there from a corner but Dawson did well and Ait-Nouri was on hand to smash in the loose ball. Game on again.

Oh, hello...

I think I spoke too soon, Rayan Ait-Nouri has provided the perfect response for the visitors.

Brighton can't clear a Wolves corner and the defender pounces to pull a goal back.

Game on, or is it too late?

Liam Delap is the hero for Ipswich!

He has come off the bench to surely salvage 10-men Ipswich a point in the capital.

Leif Davis whips in a stunning cross into the six-yard box and Delap guides it home first time with his right foot.

What a way to make an impact off the bench.

A STUNNER FROM EVAN FERGUSON!

What a way to get yourself back in the goals after 26 games without one.

Ferguson gets the ball outside the area, steadies himself, and then hammers the ball into the far corner.

That should be that.

Oooooohh... Matty Cash is a little lucky there.

He sticks a leg in on Antoine Semenyo and the winger goes over screaming for a penalty.

Instead, he is booked for diving.

Cash got nowhere near the ball, but he also misses Semenyo. A fair yellow... I hate diving.

It's not often the Etihad becomes a bag of nerves, but the fans certainly don't feel comfortable right now.

Manchester City have not killed off Southampton and the visitors are giving this a good crack now.

I bet Arsenal and Liverpool fans are begging for a shock equaliser.

When Erling Haaland scored five minutes in, everyone inside expected City to score for fun this afternoon. Yes, they have had chances but going into the last ten minutes, Southampton are still in this and Russell Martin will take this. Credit to them for staying in this. All it takes is one chance.

Unai Emery's substitutes pay off again!

When it's not Jhon Duran, it's somebody else, and this time it's Ross Barkley who delivers when his side needs him.

Fellow substitute Ian Maatsen does brilliantly to set up Leon Bailey, who guides it over to the midfielder to fire the hosts ahead.

Villa Park goes berserk, it's a massive goal!

Football is cruel! Harry Clarke's full Premier League debut and the defender, a boyhood Ipswich fan and academy graduate, has just been sent off, adding to his own goal and penalty concession. It was the right decision from Lewis Smith though, with Clarke taking out Keane Lewis-Potter in a dangerous position. It looks a tough ask for the visitors now.

Harry Clarke's day goes from terrible to catastrophic.

After scoring an own goal and giving away a penalty, the defender has now been sent off.

He is shown a second yellow card for bringing down Yoane Wissa after he knocks the ball passed him.

This has to go down as one of the worst full Premier League debuts in history, surely?

What's up, Noel?

The Oasis guitarist, Noel Gallagher, is in attendance at the Etihad but he doesn't look too buzzing to be there.

It's probably because Erling Haaland is failing to kill this game.

Jhon Duran is on, and of course, he is in the chances.

The Aston Villa striker tries to drill a low effort toward the corner but it doesn't trouble Mark Travers too much.

If I were to back any player to win this game for either team, it would most certainly be Duran.

Can he deliver again?

Wolves have certainly improved after the break.

A change of formation from Gary O'Neil is offering a more attacking style of football.

No chances are coming yet, but O'Neil will be a little happier.

I don't know why Haaland's tried to head that one back across goal. All he had to do was direct it towards goal and it was in. The Norwegian really should have a hat-trick by now. A second goal for City looks inevitable.

How are Manchester City not out of sight?

Well, it's because Erling Haaland is having a rare off day. He misses yet another chance.

The striker gets on the end of Savinho's cross but can't head home at the back post when he usually would bury the chance.

What is going on?

Brentford are running rampant, this could be any number at this rate.

Mikkel Damsgaard poaches the ball high up the pitch and he looks set to score as the ball heads toward the net.

But Kalvin Phillips manages to get back and clear the ball off the line to keep his side in the match.

Chaos, pure chaos.

Adam Lallana used all his “experience” to deliberately play a quick free-kick off Phil Foden and then claim the City player hadn’t moved out the way in time.

It backfired though – Foden shoved Lallana for gamesmanship and then referee Tony Harrington booked the Saints midfielder. This isn’t the walkover many predicted.

Six minutes of madness for Ipswich and they've completely collapsed in what is a worrying sign for any promoted team. Lewis-Potter was fouled by Clarke, with referee Lewis Smith giving it as a free kick, before VAR intervened and gave a penalty.  I think that was harsh as the foul did start outside the area before Lewis-Potter fell inside the box and Kieran McKenna is fuming. Mbeumo makes no mistake and tucks home emphatically from the spot. What a turnaround!

The turnaround is complete!

Bryan Mbeumo makes no mistake from the spot and thumps the penalty past Arijanet Muric.

I mean, Mbeumo never misses, does he?

I simply can't fathom what has happened here in west London. Ipswich have fallen to pieces.

Incredible. How on earth has Erling Haaland missed that? He's somehow hit it wide from a couple of yards out. Savinho does so well to put the ball in but it's a sitter from Haaland.

Ipswich are capitulating...

Harry Clarke brings down Keane Lewis-Potter on the edge of the area and a free-kick is given.

But after a VAR check, the decision is overturned and the bEEs now have a penalty.

The challenge did continue into the box - the right decision.

HOW HAS ERLING HAALAND MISSED?

I can't believe it, Haaland has tapped the ball wide from just two yards out. An incredible miss.

There was not an ounce of me who thought he was going to miss, I'm in shock.

He is human after all.

Last, but certainly not least!

The cracker of the afternoon is back underway.

Will it bring more drama?

FPL managers have their heads in their hands!

Erling Haaland has two bites of the cherry as he looks for his second of the match.

Phil Foden clips the ball into the area and Haaland arrows a header at goal, but it's cleared off the line.

He then has another go, but it's cleared again.

And another one...

The Amex is alive and kicking again as Brighton come back out from the dressing room.

Can they compound Wolves' misery?

The two teams are back out at Villa Park.

Let's hope we see some better action in this half compared to the end of the first.

I love goals, but there have been none in this game as of yet.

That was a quick break, eh?

We are already back underway at the Etihad with Manchester City aiming to go top of the Premier League.

Will we get any more goals in this one?

Danny Welbeck is simply in the form of his life.

That's a sentence that I never thought I would write about a player who is a month shy of turning 34 years old.

But it's true. Welbeck now has six goals in the Premier League this season and two in his last two matches.

Who would have thought he would be celebrating today after going off on a stretcher last week.

Certainly not me.

What a breathless half of football that was. The mood inside the Gtech has been completely transformed and I for one can't wait to see what the second 45 minutes has in store.

Gary O'Neil was furious with that goal and has finally sat back down. What was Sa thinking? He'd had a good half but that was a calamitous clearance under no pressure at all. An awful end to the half for Wolves.

I'm still in a bit of shock.

What a 45 minutes that was, Brentford always deliver a cracker on a Saturday afternoon, don't they?

Two goals in just a matter of minutes have pegged back Ipswich in west London.

This one is far from over...

What a chance for Southampton! Cameron Archer gets in behind and only has Ederson to beat but rattles the crossbar. Russell Martin applauds the move but he knows his side should be level. A huge let off for City.

It's half-time in the only goalless match of the Premier League so far.

Aston Villa thought they had taken the lead through John McGinn until VAR got involved.

After that, the Villans lost their groove and this one is still in the balance.

Brentford looked completely out of ideas just a few minutes ago and now they're level! Ipswich will be kicking themselves.

There goes the half-time whistle.

It seemed destined to be a stalemate at the break, but Danny Welbeck had other ideas.

Wolves yet again are struggling and the Seagulla are taking full advantage.

A huge let-off for Manchester City just before the break.

Cameron Archer races away, he is one-on-one with Ederson, but he smashes his effort against the bar.

He can't believe it, and neither can I. What a chance.

The whistle is blown straight after and Manchester City have a slender lead at the break.

This is incredible!

The hosts have turned it around in just a matter of minutes and Yoane Wissa is involved yet again.

He fires at goal again and it takes a big deflection off Harry Clarke and heads into the back of the net.

What a comeback.

Guess who?

Danny Welbeck just can't stop scoring and he has done it yet again to down Wolves.

It's criminal defending from the visitors as Jose Sa gives the ball away,. Georgino Rutter slides in Welbeck, and he does the rest.

Right before half-time too.

Brentford are back in it!

Yoane Wissa marks his return in style as he pulls a goal back before the break.

The forward burst forward and latches on to Keane Lewis-Potter's low cross before guiding the ball into the back of the net.

A lovely goal, and it could be a big one for the Bees.

Mark Travers is at it again!

The Irishman is having the game of his life at Villa Park as he makes his fifth save of the game.

This time he denies a fizzing effort from Ezri Konsa in fine fashion, one of his best today.

The Cherries are indebted to him thus far.

This game is what you call a 'snooze-fest'.

You may have been wondering why there has been a lack of updates and it's just due to the fact that not much is happening.

Manchester City are cruising, while Southampton are still struggling to conjure up any chances.

Hopefully, this one improves, and quickly.

What a few minutes for Ipswich! Two brilliant breakaway goals and two stunning finishes. The first saw a defence-splitting pass from Kalvin Phillips find George Hirst, who flicked the ball to Sammie Szmodics to fire home.

Szmodics, who spent 17 years at Ipswich's arch-rivals Colchester, was so cool there. Minutes later and Brentford's defence was all over the place again, with George Hirst netting his first Premier League goal with a dink over Mark Flekken. The Bees look ragged.

Half an hour in and this feels very much like a Manchester City training session. They've barely broken sweat but they're just lacking that bit of spark in the final third to get a second. It can't be long though with the dominance they're enjoying.

Ipswich are in dreamland!

I can't believe what I am watching, winless Ipsdwichbare two to the good at the Gtech Community Stadium.

This time it's George Hirst who wheels away in celebration after a lovely little dink.

Conor Chaplin plays a lovely through ball and the striker is away. You know the rest.

A stunning few minutes for Ipswich.

Yep, the ball was out...

It's harsh because that was a lovely finish from John McGinn, but rules are rules.

We stay level!

What a lovely goal that is!

Ipswich have hit the front away at Brentford and it's the goal machine Sammie Szmodics who is at it once again.

The Tractor Boys go from back to front in a flash, suddenly Szmodics is through, and he bends the ball past Mark Flekken.

A huge goal for the visitors.

John McGinn is at it again!

After opening the scoring on his return to action against Bologna in midweek, the captain does the same against the Cherries.

Ollie Watkins manages to keep the ball in on the byline, cuts it back for McGinn, and the midfielder bends it home.

But there is going to be a VAR check on the goal... did the ball go out of play?

I think it may have...

Southampton are the definition of 'all bark no bite'.

No matter who they play, they always have more of the ball. The Saints have 57 per cent possession at the Etihad.

But it is coming to nothing, Manchester City are just so comfortable at the moment.

The visitors are like a Lion with no teeth.

Mark Travers to the rescue for Bournemouth!

The goalkeeper is rewarding Andoni Iraola for picking him in goal and he produces a superb save to deny Amadou Onana.

the ball is floated to the back post where the midfielder is lurking, and he looks certain to find the back of the net.

But despite getting a strong header to the ball, Travers is there to deny him.

The fact Aston Villa are not ahead is crazy, they are running riot without the goals to show for it.

No early goal for the Brentford today in what has been a tight first 15 minutes here. I was surprised that the Bees chose to play short from the kick off and keep the ball.

Maybe they're bored of early goals? After all, they only won one of the three games when they scored within the first 90 seconds. Arijanet Muric just made a good stop from a corner, but Ipswich are more than a match for Thomas Frank's side so far today.

Brentford must have heard what I said about them...

Christian Norgaard comes so close to giving them the lead from a corner.

He leaps highest to latch on to Mikkel Damsgaard's fine set-piece and cause Arijanet Muric some worry for a second.

But after fumbling the ball the first time, the keeper holds on to his header eventually.

Oh, Danny Welbeck...

The Brighton striker has been on fire and as the ball came his way you just expected him to score.

But he heads the ball over the bar, I can't believe it. A brilliant chance goes begging.

Brighton are certainly on top.

It’s one-way traffic so far at Villa Park. Bournemouth are under the pump but holding firm for now. Mark Travers just made a decent stop to deny Youri Tielemans at his near post.

Even the dapper Russell Martin is looking a little bit worried with side already behind and Haaland on the rampage. After conceding, he was straight out to the touchline to bellow out instructions to his Saints defenders who are set for a busy afternoon.

I'm disappointed in Brentford, I really am.

It's been 15 minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium and they still haven't scored a goal...

What is going on?

I had a post ready and everything, now it's gone to waste. Shame on the Bees.

Matheus Nunes is hitting some real form right now, he really is.

He scored in midweek and already has an assist today. Now he is looking for the back of the net.

He aims to bend a strike into the top corner and my word the ball comes close.

The midfielder has that spring in his step.

Erling Haaland is the first player to score in seven starts in a row against promoted teams since Sergio Agüero in November 2017.

I spoke too soon...

It's taken just five minutes for Erling Haaland to answer my earlier question, he has ended his Premier League goal drought.

Matheus Nunes does well on the left, whips the ball into a dangerous area, and Haaland volleys home as he is falling over.

This could be the first of many today...

Manchester City have started unusually slowly... it's quite odd.

Southampton have had all the possession early doors and are looking the more dominant side.

Are we in a simulation??

Right, the time for talking is over.

All four of our Premier League 3pm kick-offs are now underway, which way will the points go today?

I'm hoping we see four crackers!

Fabian Hurzeler has suffered a blow before kick-off here with captain Lewis Dunk injured in the warm up. Igor Julio comes in to replace him.

Danny Welbeck will captain the Seagulls in Dunk's absence. It's a cruel blow for the Brighton defender who was poised to make his 250th start for the club.

This is the kind of afternoon where every Southampton players needs to be at their best. It's also the kind of afternoon where you simply have to captain Erling Haaland in fantasy football. He scored midweek in the Champions League but it's worth noting that Haaland has gone three Premier League games without a goal for Man City for just a second time since joining. That said, he averages a goal every 60 minutes against newly-promoted sides in the division.

Mail Sport reported last night how Thomas Frank is under consideration to replace Erik ten Hag as Man United boss if Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to make a change, which comes just a week after the Dutchman got one over at Brentford at Old Trafford.

The Dane is one of the most likeable bosses in the Premier League and recently brought up his six-year anniversary in west London. But Frank - who was also linked to the Chelsea job in the summer - is not one to let the noise affect him and instead he will be desperate for the Bees to improve on their club record ninth-place finish in 2022-23.

I have a little game for you...

As kick-off approaches, why not play Mail Sport's quiz game, Teamsheet?

I'm telling you, it's addictive. I have to fight off the urge to play it while at work and it's tough.

Luckily for my bosses, I just about manage it.

Anyway, today's challenge is to name Manchester City's starting line-up for when they played Southampton in 2012.

Go see if you can mange to do it!

It's a massive day for Lewis Dunk.

Why, you all ask?

Well, the Brighton captain will lead Brighton out in the Premier League for the 250th time in under 15 minutes.

While making that many appearances is mad enough, all of them have been starts. he has never come off the bench in this competition.

I know, it's mental, right?

In fact, he is only the sixth outfield player in Premier League history whose first 250 appearances in the competition have all been starts.

Complacency will be Pep Guardiola’s concern today as second plays second-from bottom. Manchester City have named an attacking line-up with Phil Foden in a midfield three behind Savinho, Erling Haaland and Matheus Nunes.

Raised eyebrows in the media room when the distributed team sheets named Oscar Bobb as a substitute. It turned out to be an error. Bobb is still out with a broken leg and a new list was hastily printed with James McAtee’s name replacing him.

I've just been speaking to an Ipswich fan who said how the defeats against West Ham and Everton have knocked the stuffing a bit out of everyone after some really promising performances, with the realisation that this could be a tough and long season. That only means today is even more important and Kieran McKenna has rung the changes, with SIX in total.

To make matters more difficult, Sam Morsy and Omari Hutchinson, the club captain and record signing respectively, both miss out through injury. Jack Clarke, Liam Delap, Wes Burns and Luke Woolfenden are the others to be replaced, as the quartet all drop to the bench.

It's fair to say, Phil Foden is not having his greatest season, so far.

I mean, it took him a while to get into it due to Euro 2024 and then illness, so he has his reasons.

And then due to the strength of Pep Guardiola's squad, it wasn't simple to just get straight back into the starting line-up.

However, the PFA Players' Player of the Year scored in midweek and keeps his place today.

Can he continue his return to form with a goal today?

He got the nod from the off during the week and delivered with a goal but Jhon Duran has to settle for a place on the bench against Bournemouth. Ollie Watkins is back in up top for the hosts and Amadou Onana is fit enough to start.

Yep, this is a real subheading...

Erling Haaland may be a goal machine, but he is not always in robotic mode.

While he has netted a crazy 10 Premier League goals in just eight games this season, he has failed to score in the last three.

For Haaland, that's unheard of.

After scoring a brace in the Champions League on Wednesday, I'm sure he will feel he can get back on the horse in the league too.

If I was Southampton, I would be terrified.

I'm at the Gtech Community Stadium today where we have a huge afternoon in store. Ipswich had been showing some early season promise with encouraging draws against Brighton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Southampton but the last two weeks have seen them suffer damaging defeats by West Ham and Everton.  Kieran McKenna's men are one of four teams still yet to pick up a Premier League win and they will be desperate to end that today. Remember, the Tractor Boys' last top flight victory came all the way back in April 2002.

Meanwhile, Brentford have a remarkable record of scoring first in their last six Premier League games, although they have own just two of those. Today begins an encouraging run of games for Thomas Frank's men - who have already faced Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham and Man United - so they will be keen to start kicking on.

We have been seeing this message displayed a lot recently...

Fans around the Premier League have not been happy with ticket prices this season.

West Ham have made their voices heard in recent weeks as they get their message out there.

Now it's the turn of Manchester City and Southampton fans to make their thoughts known.

Solidarity.

Tick, tock...

I bet Russell Martin is feeling the heat at this moment in time, he has to be.

The Southampton boss has had his fair share of criticism this season. I mean, it's clear to see why.

The defeat last week was a hammer blow to his reputation at the club. To lose in that manner does not help any manager who is under pressure.

While I'm sure he isn't expecting to pick up any points today, but Martin needs his side to put in a strong display.

If they don't, the heat will keep on being turned up.

Manchester City fans have been warned by the police to avoid Ashton Canal by Clayton Lane, which is around one mile from the Etihad.

There has been an incident in the area where a forensic tent is now in place, and the section of the canal is cordened off.

In a statement from GMP Manchester East, they wrote: 'We are currently responding to an incident on Clayton Lane near to the canal with other emergency services.

'For those attending the #MCFC fixture soon please be aware a scene is in place, and you will have to seek an alternative route towards the Etihad Stadium.'

Any fans reading this, who are heading to the stadium, ensure you take a new route.

Southampton are in desperate need of points at this moment of time.

The Saints only have one from their opening eight matches upon their return to the Premier League.

And if that's not bad enough, they squandered a 2-0 lead last week to fellow promoted side Leicester, conceding a 98th-minute winner.

So, it's probably not the best time to be facing 31-match unbeaten Manchester City, is it?

But miracles can happen, I suppose...

Of course, Guardiola will have been looking to reassure, the neighbours across the way in the thick of 11 years of discontent in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's Old Trafford exit.

But there's a ring of truth in the Man City manager's soothing words ahead of today's kick-off.

With canny recruitment of a new sporting director and succession plan behind the scenes under way, the head coach makes a good point, below.

Thursday saw the first reading of the Football Governance Bill in the House of Lords, and as the bill progresses, the promise of an Independent Football Regulator grows closer and closer.

So close, in fact, that the job has been posted to the boards - time to sharpen up your C.V, if you're that way inclined.

Have a sift through the requirements - and mull your suitability - below.

There's no such thing as being too early, is there?

We should have team news as the next line of business in a couple of minutes, as we count down towards the first Premier League offerings of the day.

Savinho has burst into Pep Guardiola's first XI like a lightning bolt since his arrival this summer, and now, he's exclusively opened up to Mail Sport's JACK GAUGHAN on settling at the Etihad and his life away from football.

You can check out the interview - and masses more of exclusive Mail+ content - below.

Needless to say, the Saints haven't had a charmed return to life at the English game's top table, and are yet to record a win in 2024-25. Remarkable, they're not the only ones to do so - but like Wolves before them last weekend, it's unlikely the breakthrough comes against the serial champions this afternoon.

Guardiola's side, fresh from an energising mid-week drubbing, won't be in the mood to squander the opportunity of a routine win.

With the possibility of Liverpool dropping points against fellow title contenders Arsenal tomorrow afternoon, daylight at the top of the table with 23 points today could feel all the sweeter on Sunday evening.

Behold: your one-stop shop to make sure you're primed for every kick and challenge over the next 30-ish hours.

A raft of Mail Sport experts have weighed in ahead of the start of today's play, so why not cast an eye over their potted thoughts, below.

It's a not-so sunny day in the capital, but we're unusually well-rested to kick off today's live Premier League coverage in the absence of a 12pm match.

Instead, there's plenty to feast on this afternoon, as Manchester City welcome Southampton, Brentford host Ipswich, Wolves travel to Brighton, and Bournemouth make the trip to Villa Park to meet Aston Villa.

Kick-offs in their number are in just over two hours - until then, we'll bring you all the team news, build-up, and more ahead of the weekend's action.