Southampton face a tricky Quarter-Final tie against Manchester City at St Mary’s Stadium in 2021-22 FA Cup.
Victory would see Southampton reach the semi-finals for the third time in five seasons, whereas Man City are looking to advance beyond this stage for the fourth consecutive season.
Team News
Armando Broja is set to be in contention for Southampton after recovering from a knock suffered in last weekend’s Premier League defeat against Watford.
Nathan Tella (groin) and Valentino Livramento (muscle) are also set to be available for selection.
Alex McCarthy (thigh) and Lyanco (hamstring) are both still ruled out.
Man City could welcome Cole Palmer back from a foot injury which has kept him sidelined since early January.
Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Benjamin Mendy (personal) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Southampton have won just one of three previous FA Cup meetings against Manchester City (W1, L2).
- Man City won their only previous FA Cup visit to Southampton 5-0 at their former stadium – The Dell in February 1910.
- Both teams have scored in two of their three previous FA Cup meetings.
- All eight of Southampton’s FA Cup goals this season have been scored by eight individual players.
- Three of Man City’s FA Cup goals this season have been scored by Riyad Mahrez.
Prediction
Since stunning West Ham in the Fifth Round, Southampton have defensively gone off the boil with eight goals conceded in their last three matches so a huge defensive improvement is an absolute must here on top of clinical finishing if they’re to stand a chance at victory.
Man City meanwhile simply had an uncharacteristically sloppy performance in their end product at Crystal Palace on Monday evening, yet dominated the match to secure a goalless draw but I am expecting a strong reaction here if they can score early.
Pep Guardiola’s Citizens though were frustrated by Southampton in their two league meetings this season, which could suggest a close match if the Saints are at their best but I am struggling to see City not winning this clash given their form.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Manchester City
Result: Southampton 1-4 Manchester City
Leave a Reply