MAN City boss Pep Guardiola says his side "struggle every season" to control games against Saints.
Ralph Hasenhuttl takes his struggling side to Etihad Stadium tomorrow, to face the rampant, in-form Premier League champions.
Despite Guardiola's men taking the title last year, one side they failed to beat along the way, in the league at least, was Saints.
The pair shared a 0-0 draw in Manchester, before a 1-1 at St Mary's.
The last time the clubs met, City knocked Saints out of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win in Hampshire.
Looking ahead to tomorrow's contest, Guardiola said: "Since Ralph has been the manager, we know how we struggle every season to try to control the games.
“But we are ready to do a good game against a team we were not able to beat in the Premier League last season.”
He added: "The same, a brave team. So aggressive and well organised.
"It doesn't matter what happened in last games, they have a culture that I like a lot without the ball.
"We need to create a good rhythm. It’s an important fixture for us and we want to get another three points.
“We don't have time to be distracted. We prepare and then we play. Then we travel again and play another one. The players and backroom staff are just focused on what we have to do."
Saints have lost their last three Premier League matches, scoring just one goal. Unbeaten City sit second, one point behind Arsenal.
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