With Manchester City now assured of 2nd place in the Premier league they might be tempted to give youth a chance, but there is a spanner in the works.

After the goalless draw at the Emirates last night which saw not only Sunderland safe from relegation but Arsenal now unable to catch Manchester City in 2nd place, Saints fans might have hoped that the club's Europa League hopes might be boosted by a weakened City side as Manuel Pellegrini took the opportunity to take a look at some of the clubs promising youngsters in Premier league action but without the pressure of needing the points.

Indeed City's own official website are suggesting that this might be the case, but there is a big spanner in the works in that City's U21 academy side play their final game of the season the previous day and its against Manchester United so there is more than just points at stake here but pride.

Therefore at 1pm on Saturday Ronald Koeman will get his first idea of just what City's priority will be for the Premier League game on the Sunday, if the team news from the U21 game is that several of their more notable players are missing from the side, then perhaps that will suggest that Pelligrini will be looking to take a look at them on the Sunday.

However if its City's strongest side of youngsters then Pelligrini will have prioritised the youth team derby game as a must win match to maintain local pride.

Of course Saints have to beat what is put in front of them, but the reality is we would rather play a weakened City side than their usual starting XI.

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