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Southampton vs. Chelsea (FA Cup): Opposing fan’s view

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Shane Long of Southampton battles for possesion with Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Shane Long of Southampton battles for possesion with Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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This afternoon Southampton could book their place in the FA Cup final, with Chelsea their opponents in the last four.

The Saints faced the Blues just over a week ago – a controversial and but thrilling watch for the neutral as the home side gave up a two-goal lead with Chelsea turning the match completely on it’s head in eight minutes.

Whilst the scores were still 1-0, Marcos Alonso got away with a frankly disgusting stamp on the back of Shane Long’s calf, with the Spaniard having been retrospectively suspended with today’s match being the second game of that three-match ban.

Whilst a defeat remains a defeat so late in the season there were obvious positives to take from the loss – although not many of these transcended into the drab 0-0 draw with Leicester on Thursday.

Former Saints Marching contributor and Talk Chelsea editor Ben King believes that the Saints were bitterly unlucky to finish with nothing.

"“I think Southampton were unlucky not to come away with at least a point. Chelsea were dreadful until Oliver Giroud came on. I also think Marcos Alonso should have been given a red card but overall concentration cost the Saints when Chelsea got back into the match.”"

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Whilst Southampton are fighting for their lives in the Premier League, the Blues haven’t all too much to play for. They were saved embarrassment by defeating Burnley in mid-week which meant they held on to fifth place, but they are out of Europe and five points behind Spurs.

Despite this some Chelsea players – mostly Cesar Azpilicueta – have said that even with an FA Cup win his side wouldn’t be happy with their campaign. Ben however is still hoping his players take this semi-final very seriously in the hope of then beating Manchester United in the final.

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"“I believe as a fan you want your team to be playing with dedication no matter what the tournament is. “Yes, I’d agree that I would prefer to be in the Champions League next season rather than winning the FA Cup because of what it does to a club like Chelsea. However, the FA Cup is still a historical tournament and I hope Antonio Conte puts his best XI out.”"

What remains unclear is how much effort the Saints will put into the cup game today, especially as it comes less than three days after the trip to the King Power.

After the game today Southampton have three games (Bournemouth, Everton, Swansea) in which they could very realistically pick up the points they need for safety. Therefore, they may not put everything into booking a date with United in the final. Ben has said that league survival may be too much to ask of now though.

"“If Southampton get relegated fans will clearly be unhappy with those who oversee the club. I think not sacking Mauricio Pellegrino earlier in the season and appointing a manager like Marco Silva really could have benefited the team.“I’m not a fan of Mark Hughes however, he has injected a better work ethic from the players and he’s still a favourite with the Saints faithful after his time as a player. I do feel like it may be too tall of an order after Chelsea’s comeback win .”"

Related Story: Leicester 0-0 Saints: Match recap

The Blues have a plethora of talented players a deep squad at that, as shown with Olivier Giroud coming off the bench to cause damage last Saturday. Emerson – the man almost certain to replace the suspended Marcos Alonso – is still a £20 million signing and a player with a point to prove.

But Ben also believes the Saints have a lot highly talented players especially out wide, but also said that they may not have enough ‘big game players’ who could take such a big occasion into their own hands.

"“I think there are players in Southampton’s team that could trouble Chelsea in the wing positions. We saw for Dusan Tadic’s opener on Saturday how easy it was for Ryan Bertrand to get into dangerous areas with his speed. “Having a rapid player in Nathan Redmond on that wing may also help although he struggles with his end product. I think the problem for Southampton is they don’t have many players that can take the game by the scruff of their neck, this may cost them at Wembley.”"

Whatever happens the Saints supporters will hope their side go into the game with no fear – the performance in the second half against Wigan was enough reason to believe they can go the whole way in the competition but they need to have the desire to do so on the big day.

Either way, they remain the obvious underdogs and Ben is therefore confident his side will be the one’s celebrating come this evening.

"“I fancy Chelsea to win 2-1 in normal time with Southampton scoring the opening goal.”"

Southampton versus Chelsea kicks off at Wembley Stadium this afternoon at 3:00PM.