Southampton host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round at St. Mary’s Stadium just 24 days after they last met in the Premier League on the south coast.
The Saints picked up a win versus Tottenham Hotspur at St. Mary’s Stadium 1-0 thanks to a first half goal from Danny Ings. Jose Mourinho’s team fired blanks on the day and could once again struggle to score goals against one of the Premier League’s most in-form teams.
This is an all-Premier League affair and form from the division should play a key role in the outcome of the fixture. After a poor start to the season, Ralph Hassenhuttl’s Saints are in the top half of the league table and could challenge Tottenham Hotspur for European qualification.
The Saints have beaten Tottenham Hotspur the last two times the teams played at St. Mary’s Stadium and can surely make it a third thanks to their form. Southampton are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
Tottenham Hotspur continue to be hot and cold under Mourinho. They lack the cohesive attractive football once played under Mauricio Pochettino. Tottenham Hotspur have lost five of their last 13 games in all competitions.
Spurs needed an FA Cup third round replay just to reach their Saturday fixture versus Southampton. Mourinho’s men came from behind to draw 1-1 with EFL Championship team Middlesbrough to force a second match. Spurs won the replay 2-1 at home.
Southampton didn’t need a replay to reach the fourth round. They defeated EFL Championship team Huddersfield Town 2-0 at home.
Five players are now listed as injured for Southampton as the match nears. Cedric Soares, Yan Valery, and Jannik Vestergaard are all ruled out through their respective injuries. Shane Long and Jan Bednarek are racing to be fit for the game and could make the squad.
Mourinho got a big boost last weekend with the return of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from a dislocated elbow. He could make the starting XI versus Southampton. Harry Kane remains the team’s biggest injury casualty. The striker is recovering from hamstring surgery.
Ben Davies is also ruled out through injury while Harry Winks is expected to miss after suffering an ankle injury.
Southampton are in-form and unbeaten versus Tottenham Hotspur in three of their last five matches. That includes two wins at St. Mary’s Stadium. Saturday’s fourth round cup game should be close with the two sides both finding the back of the net.
Expect over 2.5 goals as these teams end in a score draw. A replay will be needed to sort out which side reaches the fifth round of the FA Cup.