English FA CUP
2011-01-29 - Southampton vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English FA Cup 4th Round
Saturday 29 January 2011 - Kickoff 5:15pm
This game is live on TV
Southampton
The real aim for Nigel Adkins this season was to lead Southampton out of League One and back into the Championship as the owners expect this side to be playing Premier League football again at St Mary's sooner rather than later. The side have already caused one shock in the FA Cup this season when they beat a second string Blackpool side here but this would be an altogether different achievement. Watch out for the Bobby Stokes goal to be shown a couple of times at least in the lead up to the game.
The Saints are as high as 4th in League One, finding themselves 9 points behind the leaders Brighton and 2 behind Bournemouth in the last automatic promotion place. They are 7-4-3 at home this season, scoring 23 goals and only conceding 9.
The team had also been on an impressive run of form before losing to Tranmere Rovers last weekend in Liverpool. Before that result, Southampton were unbeaten in 6 games, winning 5 of those, and had only conceded 1 goal in 5 games. The Saints are unbeaten in their last 4 at home, winning 3 of those and conceding only the 1 goal.
Southampton do have some decent players in their ranks, and the most dangerous in this game could be Richie Lambert, a keen goalscorer in the lower Leagues. The one player that could be showcasing his talents on national television is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been linked with the big clubs in the country and is rumoured to be signing for Arsenal in the near future.
Manchester United
If anyone doubts the quality of the squad at Sir Alex Ferguson's disposal this season, they can not doubt the heart, determination and belief that courses through the veins of every player at Manchester United. This was in evidence again as the side fought back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Blackpool on Tuesday night, and also open up a 5 point lead in the Premier League.
That result also meant United maintained their unbeaten start to the League campaign and they still have only suffered the 1 defeat this season in all competitions, that being an away tie in the Carling Cup. United are 3-8-0 away from home in the League, scoring 17 goals and conceding 14. They are 4-0-1 in away games in Cup competitions this season and a youthful looking side has won 2-5 at lower League opposition already this season when disposing of Nigel Adkins old team Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup.
The Red Devils also improved their unbeaten run to 10 games since the loss at Upton Park, United winning 7 of those games including 5 of their last 6. The team have won 2 and drawn 2 of their last 4 away games.
Rafael is definitely out after suffering a concussion in the win over Blackpool. His twin brother, Fabio, was concerned enough to go to hospital with Rafael, but could be given a starting place here. I would expect a number of changes to be made from the side that beat Blackpool as there is a game against Aston Villa to play on Tuesday night in the League. Expect the likes of Gabriel Oberton, Darren Gibson, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Michael Owen and Anderson to be given run outs.
Head to Head
Southampton and Manchester United were familiar opponents in the Premier League but have only met once in recent times, that also being an FA Cup tie. That game took place here a couple of seasons ago, and United sent another much changed side out, but with enough strength to win 0-3.
Prediction
The mindset of managers when it comes to games like this can be hard to gauge, especially with League commitments coming thick and fast. However, this remains an important competition for Manchester United and I would expect a team that will be good enough to win here.
Southampton are sure to give this game a real go, but its not like the past when a lower League side would host one of the big boys in a small tight ground with a horrible playing surface. St Mary's is a relatively new Stadium and its a place where teams can come and play their football without the intimidation of other lower League grounds.
A trip to the Dell would have been a shock for some of the pampered players from the Premier League, but this Stadium is modern enough to not affect the United boys. I think the result could be similar to what happened a couple of seasons ago, and will back the away side on the handicap.
If United win by 1 goal, half our stake will be returned.
The Pick :
Southampton 1-3 Manchester United
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll take Manchester United - 1.25 Asian HandicapFollow me on Twitter @DavindaAulak- there is a direct link below
