Southampton v Derby County Betting Tips: Tight tie on the South Coast?

FA Cup betting preview and odds

A trip to Accrington Stanley is the prize for the winner of tonight’s FA Cup third round replay between Southampton and Derby County at St Mary’s.

The sides shared a pulsating 2-2 draw at Pride Park 11 days ago. But who will book their place in the fourth round with victory this evening? You can follow all the action live on BBC One from 7:45pm; until then we’ve put together a handy preview ahead of the tie.

Head-to-Head

Last week’s 2-2 stalemate was the first meeting between the sides since 2012, when the Saints blitzed the Rams 4-0 at home. Derby are winless in their last six head-to-head clashes in total, although Frank Lampard’s men have triumphed in all three previous FA Cup encounters.

That’s all well and good, but Southampton haven’t lost in the cup to lower league opposition since 2008. So how will tonight play out?

Likely XIs

Southampton tend to set-up in a 4-2-3-1 system under Ralph Hasenhuttl. That’s unlikely to change with the visit of Derby.

Shane Long will spearhead the charge ahead of Mohamed Elyounoussi, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond. Youngsters Callum Slattery, Jack Stephens and Matt Targett should get starts further back.

The Rams have fewer options to change their line-up, although Duane Holmes could come in for Harry Wilson. Academy graduates Jayden Bogle, Max Lowe and Max Bird should also retain their spots from the initial match, with Kelle Roos replacing Scott Carson in goal.

Key Battles

Derby’s bustling front three will exert plenty of pressure on a youthful Southampton defence. Jack Marriott has 10 goals to his name since mid-September and also netted in the first match – he’ll require the bulk of the Saints’ attention.