Southampton face Manchester United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley this Sunday.
Southampton go into Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Manchester United as slight underdogs to lift just the second major trophy in their history. But would Claude Puel’s actually wrestle the edge off their opponents if the tie goes beyond 90 minutes?
HITC Sport’s James Rutherford and Michael Ramsey have suggested that the game going to extra-time may help the Saints pull off the victory.
“I think if it’s within 90 minutes, Man United win, if it goes to extra-time, Southampton,” James said when asked for his prediction.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
“Man United might start to doubt themselves whereas Southampton might get that bit of extra belief,” he added when then asked why the additional half-hour would favour the south coast side.
An initial look at the form-book would certainly suggest that Jose Mourinho’s men have the upper hand. Manchester United have won their last five in all competitions and their defeat to Hull in the semi-final of this competition last month has been their only loss since early November.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s victory over Sunderland was the first time in four games they had avoided defeat.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
However, it is impossible not to be incredibly impressed by the way that they have raised their game for the EFL Cup this season. They have faced four Premier League sides in the previous rounds, and have obviously beaten all of them along the way.
But what makes that run even more brilliant is the fact that they are yet to concede a single goal in this competition this year. So Manchester United will have to do what the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool could not if they hope to lift the trophy.
But what do the guys expect? To find out their thoughts in full as well as their predictions, simply watch the preview at the top of the page.
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