Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Southampton go into Today’s encounter with Manchester City with still an outside of qualifying for next season’s Europa League. Depending on who wins the F.A. Cup and Europa League could very well enhance their chances but Ronald Koeman would prefer to take matters into his own hands and that will probably mean winning all their remaining matches.
If Manchester United win the F.A. Cup and Liverpool win the Europa League then Southampton could finish 8th and take the final Europa League berth. But a 6th place finish would guarantee them a place regardless of who wins the Cups so the Saints’ season is far from over.
Last Weekend they won 4-2 at Aston Villa, the game was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggests as they could and should have scored 6 or 7 that day. A couple of defensive lapses but apart from that it was a routine 3 points to be bought back to the St Mary’s. One thing that is for sure is that their opponents Manchester City will provide a much sterner test.
They travel to Southampton fresh off of European exploits in Midweek after holding Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw at The Etihad. With the 2nd leg on Wednesday, will they have one eye or more on that trip to The Bernabeu and the all important return fixture.
If that is the case then it will be interesting to see what lineup Manuel Pellegrini will go for but lets not forget to rest too many key players what with them still in a 3 way fight for just 2 Champions League places. But with 13 points from the last possible 15 they are looking pretty ominous right now.
They brushed past Stoke 4-0 before the Champions League Semi Final 1st leg but was arguably with a full strength side, one is for sure is that Today they will be without David Silva who limped off on Tuesday and will still be sweating on the fitness of Yaya Toure who will be more than likely be saved for Wednesday.
Can Southampton take advantage of City’s upcoming European trip. I don’t think it’s a game that Manuel Pellegrini can afford to throw so I think the ideal scenario would be get a comfortable lead and then bring off key players. I’ll go for a City win because they are in very good form right now. An away win for me.
Papa Johns – If your team scores twice then it’s half price
