Southampton welcome league leaders Manchester City at their Saint Mary’s Stadium for FA Cup quarterfinals. The Saints are having quite a turbulent season, but Hasenhüttl’s men are excelling in the FA Cup. Southampton have reached the quarterfinals for a second season running and will be looking to make it to the next round as they did last season. Manchester City are eyeing their 4th league title in five years, and a Champions League and FA Cup to complete their first-ever treble. City are looking to reach the semifinals of the FA Cup for a fourth straight season.
Southampton rocked West Ham United 3-1 in the fifth round to qualify for the quarterfinals. It would be safe to say that Southampton are enjoying playing the FA Cup since last season when they reached the semifinals. Moreover, the Saints have won the only major trophy in their history, which is the FA Cup.
Their only triumph came in the 1975-76 season when they defeated Manchester United in the final. However, the last time Southampton found themselves in the final of the FA Cup was 19 years ago. They have endured three back-to-back defeats in the league and will be hoping to reverse their fortunes here.
Southampton Form (all competitions)- W W L L L
Manchester City are high-flying in the FA Cup this season. The Cityzens knocked-out minnows Peterborough United in the last round. However, Guardiola has fielded his best eleven in the cup so far. The Spaniard has not relied on the academy players to make it to the quarterfinals and it seems he is more than determined to win his second FA Cup. Guardiola and his men are fighting on all fronts this season to win an unprecedented treble. Likewise, Manchester City will be going all out against Southampton here.
Southampton vs Manchester City: Team News
The Saints’ team news
Southampton will miss the services of center-back Lyanco for the cup tie. Lyanco is out with a hamstring injury and the club has confirmed he will miss the City game. Nathan Tella will also sit out the game due to a groin injury.
Hasenhüttl will be sweating on the match fitness of striker Armando Broja and center-back Livramento. Broja who is in fine form this season suffered a head injury in Southampton’s last game, his match fitness would determine his availability. Meanwhile, Adam Armstrong and Che Adams may lead the attack, with Ward-Prowse supplying from the middle of the park.
Southampton possible lineup
Caballero; Walker-Peters, Valery, Stephens, Perraud; Stuart Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Elyounoussi; Adam Armstrong, Che Adams
The Cityzens’ team news
Portuguese center-back Ruben Dias is out for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury. Cole Palmer would also be available but should be on the bench. Cancelo was fit for City’s last game after suffering illness, but Zinchenko should start ahead of him against Southampton.
Guardiola will be again fielding his best and strongest possible eleven, as he had his hands on the FA Cup trophy only once, and will be eager to add a second. But rotations will be plenty from City’s last game against Crystal Palace. Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho, and Ilkay Gundogan could be in contention to start the game.
Manchester City possible starting lineup
Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Zinchenko; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling
Our Prediction
Southampton 1-3 Manchester City
The Saints may have had a decent FA Cup campaign, but City are the clear favorites here. Southampton will cause Manchester City enough problems as they did in their league meeting. But not enough to knock out the league leaders.
Moreover, Hasenhüttl is without some of his key players at a time when Guardiola will be starting his strongest eleven. A good contest could be fought but a routine win for Manchester City is on the cards against Southampton.
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