Southampton vs Manchester United Match Preview
Premier League leaders Manchester United will travel to face League One Club Southampton at St. Mary’s in a rematch of the 1976 FA Cup Final.
In 1976 Southampton, then of the Second Division produced a huge shock when they beat First Division giants Manchester United courtesy of a late Bobby Stokes goal. The win is still referred to today as the greatest day in Southampton’s history.
It would take another upset if Southampton were to advance past United and into the last 16 of this season’s competition. The Saints are currently in the third tier of English Football, while United are currently unbeaten in Premier League play and sit stop of the table.
Captain Dean Hammond and Adam Lallana are injury doubts for the Saints, while Leicester City loanee Dany N’Guessan will be available to play.
Edwin van der Sar will be rested for the Red Devils, meaning Tomasz Kuszcak and new signing Anders Lindegaard will battle for the start in goal.
Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva are all sidelined for United, while Michael Carrick has an ankle injury and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.