Southampton return back to action in the FA Cup this weekend as they make the long trip up to Wigan at the quarter-final stage.
Saints are set to be under new management after Mark Hughes was appointed following the sacking of Mauricio Pellegrino earlier this week.
The club have found some good form in this competition despite struggling to find wins in the Premier League. Victories over Fulham, Watford and West Brom have seen the club progress to this stage.
Saints come into the game on the back of an embarrassing loss to Newcastle last weekend in a 3-0 defeat to Rafa Benitez’s side. As for Wigan, they claimed a late win in their most recent game as they beat Bradford City 1-0 in League One.
The Saints could really do with a morale boost ahead of a massive Premier League game with West Ham after the international break. Securing a semi-final date at Wembley with a win against Wigan would certainly provide that.
Wigan currently sit third in League One but aren’t in the greatest run of form in the league, claiming eight points from their last six games.
The Saints have found it tough to claim too many points on the road but seem to have been able to play more freely, which has resulted in some good results away from home in the FA Cup.
The Latics have got the third best home record in League One, collecting 36 points from 18 matches, which has resulted in them flying high in the division.
Wigan and Southampton last met at the DW Stadium in 2013 when Saints claimed a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Rickie Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Southampton’s new manager Hughes has this week sat down and spoken to the media ahead of his side’s trip to Wigan in the FA Cup, insisting that he intends to give everyone a fair opportunity. As quoted by the official Saints website, the Welshman said:
When players see a change in management, it maybe lightens the load on their frustration and any disappointment they’ve felt.
I’ve been through that process myself as a player and I’m sure they react in a certain way, and maybe feel their options are better after a change is made. I can only go on what I’ve seen from afar.
I know a great deal about the players I’ve come here to work with. The key is if you perform well, you keep the shirt. We’re playing in the hardest league in world football and the standards need to be high to stay in the team.
In terms of team news, Saints remain without Charlie Austin and Steven Davis as they work their way back from long-term injuries. Hughes hopes to have Austin back after the international week.
Paul Cook’s side have performed admirably this season in the FA Cup, already beating Premier League sides West Ham, Bournemouth and Manchester City to reach this stage. However, I feel this could be a stretch too far for the club and feel that Saints will have just too much for them.
I think Saints will nick this one 2-1 in extra-time on Sunday afternoon.
