The Saints will lock horns with their bitter rivals as Ralph Hasenhuttl is set for his first taste of the South Coast derby.
A number of Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to comment on the news that they will be playing bitter rivals Portsmouth at Fratton Park in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The Saints got the better of Fulham in the second round, while Pompey won 2-0 at Queens Park Rangers, and the draw has put the two sides together in what will be their first competitive meeting for seven years.
Last time Southampton and Portsmouth locked horns was in April 2012, a Championship draw at St Mary’s, and interestingly, the Saints have not beaten their rivals in the last four games (11v11), so they will be eager to put that record straight.
As reported by the Daily Echo, there was a period last season when it looked like Southampton and Portsmouth could have ended up in the same league this term, with the Saints battling Premier League relegation and Pompey flying high in League One.
In the end, Ralph Hasenhuttl steered his side to safety and their rivals failed to navigate the playoffs, so the two-league difference remains and, given how Southampton have bolstered their ranks, they will fancy their chances.
Needless to say, the draw was an exciting one for the St Mary’s faithful and some took to social media to give their thoughts:
The Carabao Cup third round fixtures will take place the week beginning Monday 23 September.
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