Southampton and Derby in FA Cup replay at St Mary’s. Winners face Accrington Stanley

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

Who are they? Accrington Stanley await the winners of Wednesday night’s FA Cup replay between Southampton and Derby County. A 2-2 draw at Pride Park means the tie will be settled on the south coast and at St Mary’s.

Southampton wasted a good opportunity to progress in the first leg, Nathan Redmond scored twice to put the Premier League side in a healthy position before Jack Marriot and Tom Lawrence pulled Derby level. The Rams would consider themselves unlucky not to progress after Marriot missed a glorious opportunity in the dying seconds to win the game.

Southampton warmed up for this game with a hard fought 2-1 win at Leicester City. Young full-back Jan Valery saw red in the first half, but goals from James Ward-Prowse and Shane Long were enough for all three points, despite a second half onslaught from the Foxes.

Derby were on the end of a spying scandal before their 2-0 loss to Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending a member of staff to watch Derby train from the bushes outside their training complex and attempt to gain an advantage. Derby manager Frank Lampard was angered by the actions of his counterpart but could not stop Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison putting his side to the sword.

In competitive games, these sides had not previously met since 2012, when Southampton thumped Derby 4-0, with Adam Lallana and Tadanri Lee getting on the scoresheet. Derby’s last competitive win over the Saints was way in 2007 in the Championship play-off semi finals.

The home side will continue to be without Ryan Bertrand. The former England international missed the Christmas period after minor back surgery, but started training in the New Year and is expected to take part against Everton at the weekend. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is still suspended, as is Jan Valery. Sam Gallagher and Josh Sims returned to the fold this week, both may get valuable minutes against Lampard’s side.

Derby may still be without Harry Wilson. The Liverpool loanee has been in fine form this season, showcasing his dead ball ability on numerous occasions. But a hip injury has kept him out of the last two games and this replay may come too soon in his rehabilitation.

Both sides have other priorities that arguably outweigh the FA Cup, Southampton are on course to survive but cannot afford any slip ups in this half of the season. Whilst Derby County fear losing their play-off spot, so the focus may be on their league fixtures.