The last two times that Southampton have visited Wembley Stadium, they have tasted defeat in both the FA cup and the League cup. 2018’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea left Saints fans downhearted however, the 2017 league cup final ended with Manchester United lifting the EFL cup in controversial circumstances. The inform Manolo Gabbiadini should have been awarded a hattrick on the day however, pre VAR, his goal at 10 minutes was wrongly ruled out for offside and Manchester United went on to lift the trophy.
Recent Form:
Saints come into this game off the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to relegation candidates West Brom. The Baggies outplayed The Saints leaving Ralph Hassenhutl’s side down hearted and with lots of work to do ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Southampton have struggled this season with inconsistency, from the highs of sitting at the top of the table to the lows of another 9-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford, some Saints fans will be left scratching their heads as to which Southampton side will turn up come 18:30 on Saturday.
The opposition:
Leicester City provide the opposition for Sunday’s game with the 2016/17’s Premier League title winners having a fine season. They are currently on course for the UEFA Champions league places as they sit in third place. Brendan Rodger’s side play fast paced counter attacking football with star striker Jamie Vardy leading the line.
Leicester will be without this season’s breakout star Harvey Barnes as the attacker progresses with his rehab after picking up a knee injury. James Maddison and Caglar Soyuncu will be fit to face the Saints on Sunday as Brendan Rodgers confirmed this week that they would be available for selection.
Saints Team news:
Saints will unfortunately be without the on loan winger Takumi Minamino who is cup-tied with his parent club Liverpool.
Michael Obafemi has now returned to training following a muscle injury however is a doubt to be involved in this tie due to lack of match fitness.
Oriol Romeu and William Smallbone are still undertaking rehabilitation from their long term injuries.
Predicted lineups:
Southampton: Forster; Walker-Peters, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Bertrand, Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Armstrong, Walcott, Redmond, Ings.
Leicester: Schmeichel; Ricardo; Fofana, Soyuncu, Evans, Castagne; Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison; Iheanacho, Vardy.
One to watch:
James Ward-Prowse could be the difference maker for Southampton come Sunday evening. If the affair becomes cagey and both sides feel afraid to take a risk then, a James ward-Prowse dead ball situation could be the magic moment that wins Southampton the game. Leicester will have to be on their toes at all free kick situations as Ward-Prowse has the ability to score or threaten the goal from all areas on the pitch.
How to watch:
Due to current restrictions with the Coronavirus pandemic, Southampton and Leicester Fans will not be able to attend this however, 4000 Londoners will be able to obtain tickets. For other fans, the game can be watched on BT sport 1 at 18:30 for kick off.