Leicester
Both these sides know about the magic of the FA Cup, yet only one has ever tasted it.
Southampton’s 1976 triumph over red hot favourites Manchester United is engrained in the illustrated history of the world’s greatest cup competition and will forever live on in the annals of the south coast club.
Now, 45 years on, the Saints are aiming to reach the final again.
Standing in their way, opponents who have reached the final four times but never won the competition.
On saying that, as their Premier League miracle of five years ago, Leicester City also believe in magic.
So, who will create FA Cup highlights on Sunday and clinch a place in the season’s showpiece?
Talking Points
There’s extra incentive for the winners as it’s hoped there will be fans at Wembley by the time next months final takes place.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the majority will be supporters of either side with this fixture one of a number of test events being planned over the next six weeks or so.
Southampton will hope to be third time lucky at the national stadium after being beaten by Chelsea at this stage in the semi-finals three years ago, just over a year after they were unfortunate to be beaten by Manchester United in the 2017 League Cup Final.
They have already shown this season they can be a match for even the best sides.
Likewise, Leicester despatched United with some aplomb in the quarter-finals and have also enjoyed league successes against champions-elect Man City, deposed champions Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea this term.
Recent results do little for either team.
Southampton have picked up just 10 points in 15 Premier League games in 2021, fewer than any other side in this period and their poor form continued as they went down 3-0 at West Brom in a comprehensive win for the Baggies on Monday night.
Then again, Leicester were well beaten at West Ham the day before.
Despite the eventual close scoreline, Jesse Lingard’s double ensured they were beaten long before the end of the contest.
Based on league form, this should be a one-sided encounter.
While Leicester are third, Southampton are 14th in the table.
Recent wins over Sheffield United and Burnley have provided them with an element of breathing space in their slide down the table and they remain 10 points clear of the drop zone.
Earlier this week, boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said his side would have ‘no chance’ against the Foxes if they performed like they did at the Hawthorns.
So why then do I fancy them to pull off a surprise?
Perhaps, it’s because the FA Cup is the giver of magic.
History
It was actually in an FA Cup tie in 1898 when these two first locked horns.
Overall, the Foxes have won 30 of their meetings and the Saints have enjoyed victory 34 times. Another 28 clashes have ended level.
It was in the mid-1960s that they first met in the top flight.
Last season Southampton won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium to gain some pride back, less than three months after the joint highest Premier League result ever recorded as Leicester rattled in nine goals on the south coast without reply. Southampton’s cause wasn’t helped by playing the majority of the match with 10 men.
During their most recent meeting in January, the Foxes ran out 2-0 winners, courtesy of goals from James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.
They have still to meet again in the league this season with that fixture scheduled for May 1.
Betting Tip
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Leicester City vs Southampton | Double Chance Southampton or Draw @ 1.87 |
| April 18, 01:30 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP FA Cup betting odds fancy the Foxes, no surprise given they are 11 places above their opponents in the league.
You can back them 1X2 @ 1.85 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.20. Southampton are priced further out, 1X2 @ 3.85 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.33.
On the wide-open spaces of Wembley, I do expect both these sides to score and over 2.75 goals is available @ 2.25, total goal 2-3 @ 1.82 and total goal 4-6 @ 3.40.
If there’s to be a repeat of either of their last two meetings, you can get attractive odds.
Correct score for a 2-0 Leicester win will pay out @ 8.50, while a 2-1 Saints success will earn you @ 14.50.
Leicester are clear favourites so why am I thinking the Saints may just spring a shock here. They have nothing to lose.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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