Southampton face manchester United in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Saturday in game where they have nothing to lose.
Yes we can lose the game but everybody expects us to receive a right mauling.
Manchester United are sitting proudly on top of the Premiership, and are widely regarded as hot favourites to end up as this seasons champions.
Southampton on the other hand are fighting to stay in the race for promotion from league division One to the Championship.
United will almost certainly play a team with a few fringe players in it, but one regarded as sufficient to beat their lower graded opponents.
Saints will relish the opportunity to face such exalted opponents as a way to check how they stand in the present scheme of things.
United as would be expected have a good record over saints when meeting. Saints have had a few good wins and who can forget the day of the gray shirts.
The ground will be packed, and with a full house, the game which will also be televised, could prove to be very entertaining.
Though not expecting saints to win I do expect to see the team play above themselves as they try to show how we can play.
Vital Quotes:
Southampton Team News:
Dean Hammond and Adam Lallana are both nearing full fitness and could be added to the squad for the game.
ew signing Dany N’Guessan could also be included in the matchday squad.
Player to watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
I have a hunch that Alex and his pace could unsettle the United back four and with luck lead to us getting a few scoring opportunities.
Manchester Utd Team News:
Rafael will miss the game after his head injury against Blackpool. Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick are both doubtful stars.
Player to watch: Ryan Giggs
Ryan is a phenominal athlete who is a natural game winner. He is unfortunately but one of the dangerous attacking options that united have and though I will enjoy watching them I hope we have prepared well for the game.
Match Facts & Stats
Games between these two at Southampton are surprisingly evenly balanced.
aints have won 17, drawn 18 and lost 19. Recently though it is a story of defeats so we will need to raise our game a long way to have much chance and United will need to be slightly under par.
Ref Watch:
Mr M Atkinson officiates
Mr M Mullarkey & Mr S Beck assist
4th official is Mr K Friend
Match Prediction:
Much as I would like to see us get the result I can only see a United win.
I will go for a 1-3 defeat.
Next Fixtures:
Tues 1st Feb 2011
Man Utd v Aston Villa
xeter v Saints
