Another FA cup upset for the Seasiders? Southampton Vs. Blackpool Preview

Blackpool take on premier league side Southampton at St Mary's Stadium tomorrow in the fourth round of the FA cup.

After last Saturday's league fixture against Huddersfield Town was called off due to a frozen pitch at Bloomfield Road, Mick McCarthy has had more time to get to know his squad ahead of the tie.

This FA cup fourth round tie will, of course, be McCarthy's first game as Blackpool boss, having replaced previous manager Michael Appleton. 

Southampton currently sit 20th in the top flight, whilst Blackpool also have their own relegation battle to contend with in the Championship, where they find themselves without a win in 10.

Yet their shocking 4-1 victory over Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago proves that they are more than capable of pulling off a cup upset. 

The last time these two sides met in the FA cup fourth round was in the 1975-76 season, with the Saints winning 3-1 and eventually going on to lift the trophy that year.

With key Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta out with a hamstring injury, new signing Charlie Goode, who is on loan from Brentford for the remainder of the season, is likely to lead the backline, along with the likes of ex- Shamrock Rovers full back Andy Lyons.

New signings Morgan Rogers and Tom Trybull, as well as the imminent Josh Bowler could start in the middle of the park, with Jerry Yates and Gary Madine seeming likely to start on the frontline. 

Southampton lost their most recent game in the EFL cup semi final first leg 1-0 against Newcastle.

The saints are unlikely to put out a full-strength side on Saturday, as they have the second leg of the semi-final and a premier league relegation fight to worry about. 

This could leave room for underdogs Blackpool to further their cup run by brushing aside another premier league team, but the saints won't go don without a fight. 

Whatever the result, it's sure to be a cracking fixture.