Southampton face tough FA Cup quarter-final test against Manchester City

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Manchester City travel to St Mary’s stadium in Sunday afternoon’s FA Cup Quarter Final, which is live on BBC1.

City will be looking to bounce back to winning ways following successive 0-0 draws with Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. If they overcome Southampton it will be their fifth semi final in seven years.

However the Sky Blues have failed to beat Southampton so far this season, drawing twice in the league, and The Saints will themselves be fighting hard to end their poor recent league form of three straight defeats to reach their second successive FA Cup semi final.

Southampton welcome back midfielder Nathan Tella to their squad following a groin injury sustained in January. Man City are likely to still be without defender Ruben Dias who has only just returned to training following a hamstring injury.

City boss Pep Guardiola was focused on advancing in the FA Cup despite a refreshed recent challenge in the Premier League from Liverpool, who are now only one point behind the Champions.

“I know how difficult Southampton will be. We have to compete well but I trust my players.”

Southampton’s Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhüttl was excited about the prospect of facing the league leaders.

“Hopefully we see a really good cup game and I am sure we will because it is two teams that want to play football, two teams that want to create chances, that are looking for an intense way of playing football.”

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