Tottenham v Southampton
FA Cup, Wednesday, 7.45pm , BT Sport 1
So, last week we rediscovered a bizarrely-forgotten fact: Jose Mourinho is a better manager than Pep Guardiola.
They’re also both better managers than Jurgen Klopp – just so City fans don’t feel too harshly done by.
But for all the glamour of beating Man City, Jose, unlike Jurgen who somehow decided he could take a night off and not do his literal job, is now facing the potential of being booted out of the FA Cup by inferior opposition.
FA Cup replays are funny little things and given that the focus is just never quite the same, teams generally don’t play the same way as they do in the Premier League.
If often comes down to the sum of ad-hoc talent minus the lacking energy. In this one, it feels like Southampton will be up against it.
Not only is the game back in London, it’s also coming at a time where Ralph Hassenhuttl has his Southampton team just four points off Europe.
How that has materialised is anyone’s guess, but Saints fans must be counting their blessings that the powers-that-be had more patience following the nine-nil defeat than absolutely anyone in the stadium that didn’t possess an east midlands accent.
Anyway, time to turn this experience profitable.
Spurs to Win (8/11)
It’s not a big price, but it’s pretty safe.
With Southampton’s squad already cut thin, Man City being brought back down to earth (perhaps further back down to earth, given how poorly this season has gone for them, relatively speaking, and Mourinho’s fetish to cover up league failings with silverware – this one ain’t getting away from them, no matter Spursy they can attempt to look.
Given that Spurs also don’t have another game for 12 days, it’s the perfect time for them to go whole-hog with a Southampton team that could probably do without the distraction of the FA Cup, especially as they know full-well there’s a tie against another Premier League outfit in Norwich waiting for them.
Lucas Moura to Score First (7/2)
Lucas Moura may not always get his name on the teamsheet in the Premier League, but he’s well-received by Spurs fans for a couple of reasons. Yes, there’s that goal in Amsterdam, but also because he’s bloody good, you know.
His pace should cause real problems for a fairly stagnant Saints back four and given he’s likely to start up front rather out wide, it’s ideal for him to sit off the shoulder against a team who tries to play a high line.
I wish them luck.
Penalty to be Awarded? Yes (7/4)
When you imagine these two teams in the final third, what do you immediately think of? Quick feet.
Spurs have been awarded their fair share of spot kicks this season and with a bit of luck, the 7/4 to have one awarded – not scored – is a bit of value given how heavy-footed some of these defenders on both sides can look.
There’s nothing quite like a Wednesday night in, shouting at defenders to foul someone inside the box, is there?
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