Sunday’s FA Cup quarter final action kicks off at the DW Stadium as Mark Hughes takes his first Southampton match, away at Wigan Athletic.
Team news
Wigan are without Nick Powell after the midfielder limped off with a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s league win at Bradford City.
Devante Cole, Donervon Daniels and James Vaughan are all cup-tied.
Southampton are without the injured pair of Charlie Austin and Steven Davis as they recover from hamstring injuries.
Japanese defender, Maya Yoshida could return to the lineup after seven weeks on sidelines with a knee injury.
Form
Wigan come into this match with just two defeats in 23 matches since a home defeat to Bradford City on 18th November.
After taking a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth in third round to earn a replay, the Latics have won their last three FA Cup games at home.
Southampton come into this match after sacking Mauricio Pellegrino following a disastrous run of form with just one win since mid November.
That is just one of four away wins this season in all competitions and haven’t scored in.
Stat Attack
- These teams have met just once before in FA Cup with Southampton winning a fourth round clash in January 1986.
- Wigan are unbeaten in their last two meetings, winning 2-0 at St Marys before drawing 2-2 here in 2012-13 Premier League season.
- Wigan have already claimed three Premier League scalps and the last team to do it (West Ham 1979-80) went on to win the FA Cup that season.
- Mark Hughes has a (W7 D2 L2) record against Wigan and as manager of Blackburn between 2004-08, scored three goals on each trip to DW Stadium. He has however draw his last two trips 1-1 with Man City and Fulham respectively.
- Will Grigg is the competition’s top scorer with seven goals whilst Southampton have had four different goal scorers en route to this stage.
Prediction
Wigan will be tough opposition because they know how to beat top flight sides at home.
I however see Southampton having that more desire due to a change of manager and nicking this in extra time.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Southampton AET
Result: Wigan Athletic 0-2 Southampton (after normal time)
