Leicester City will look to progress to the final of the FA cup for the 5th time in the clubs history. However, the foxes have lost all four of the previous finals they have been in.
But first they must defeat a Southampton side who have once been FA cup winners back in 1976 beating Manchester United 1-0.
The saints have had a tough start to 2021 in the Premier League with just 3 wins all year. They also suffered a run of 6 defeats on the bounce including a humiliating 9-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Brendan Rodgers' men have already defeated Southampton this year winning 2-0 back in January. This will give Leicester confidence going into this game knowing that they have the ability to create and score goals.
Maddison Key
James Maddison was left at home for the trip to face West Ham due to breaking COVID 19 rules.
Brendan Rodgers has spoken about moving on from this and drawing a line under it whilst indicating that he will start at the weekend.
This whole situation will motivate Maddison to put in a MOTM (man of the match) performance in order to win the fans back. It could turn out to spur on the English playmaker for the rest of the season and to give the fans no option but to forgive him.
He has all the talent to have a flourishing end to the season forcing his way into the England squad ahead of the Euros this summer. The motives for James Maddison are there...
Saints must press high
The last time these two sides faced each other Southampton outplayed the foxes for the majority of the first half employing a high press which unsettled Leicester's rhythm and they really should have took the lead.
The high press is something Leicester have struggled with previously most notably last time out vs West Ham. It was clear that Daniel Amartey in the back 3 was the weak link in terms of playing out from the back.
Caglar Soyuncu will be gladly welcomed back and most likely take Amartey's place which will be a positive for Brendan Rodgers.
Southampton will come to attack the game as they always do so the expected back 3 will have to be very well disciplined in their position with Danny Ings capable of scoring half chances.
Verdict
With Southampton's form this year it's hard to see anything but a Leicester city win. Danny Ings hasn't been very prolific this year and without his goals they have struggled to score.
Leicester City will have the added pressure of reacting well to a painful defeat vs West Ham and this may work to their advantage.
Vardy will want to change his fortunes after only scoring once in his previous 17 games and this may be the game to do so.
Leicester will have too much for the saints and it could be a high scoring win for Leicester City.
Prediction: 2-0 Leicester City