14th Feb 2014 | FA Cup
Saints Go Marching On
Southampton need a result to keep their season alive whereas Sunderland have other distractions.
Circumstance more than form should drive the market in the early kick-off this weekend.
The FA Cup represents the last ‘live’ competition for Southampton, so expect Mauricio Pochettino to field his strongest XI. The Saints are a comfortable eighth in the league, in no danger of relegation but they aren’t going to finish high enough for the Europa League.
Sunderland are in the opposite position. Relegation is a real danger, but they are in the final of the League Cup so another trip to Wembley is superfluous.
Saturday’s fixture is a re-run of the match from 18 January, the game ended 2-2 but Southampton let a winning opportunity slip, having been two-up after 31 minutes.
The Saints dominated possession and shots in that encounter and look a good bet at 13/10 (Bet365) to beat a Sunderland team who are lacking Wes Brown and perhaps more importantly desire.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 13:05 14th Feb, 2014 but subject to change
