da poker： [ad_pod ]
da dobrowin： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
It’s the big one.
The stars aligned after Southampton’s Carabao Cup win over Fulham and handed them a dream cup draw against arch-rivals Portsmouth, a match which almost every Saints supporter will presumably be salivating in anticipation for.
It has been over seven years since the pair last faced off against each other, as they played out a 2-2 draw in the Championship, but the upcoming Carabao Cup match-up hands Ralph Hasenhuttl a golden opportunity to end a 35-year long hoodoo due to one key difference between the sides.
What’s the difference?
It may go without saying, but the fact that the Saints are in the Premier League and Pompey are languishing in League One serves up an utterly fantastic chance for Hasenhuttl to get his name in the supporters’ good books, and also help Southampton break a 35-year long wait for a victory at their rivals’ ground – Fratton Park.
Southampton have the likes of Nathan Redmond, Che Adams, Sofiane Boufal, Oriol Romeu, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and plenty more quality within their ranks.
Whilst Portsmouth will surely be up for the game, whilst also keen to record a real scalp in terms of league difference as well as in regards to the rivalry, the Saints are much stronger on paper.
Who knows how long it could be before Southampton get to travel the short distance to Fratton Park again?
If they don’t win this upcoming tie, then it could even be another 35 years before the two even face each other again, let alone at Fratton Park, given the enormous gulf between the two teams right now – Pompey currently sit 18th in League One, whilst Southampton are 13th in the Premier League.
Chances to end the 35-year long wait won’t come around too often, and this upcoming opportunity is a golden one for Southampton and Hasenhuttl.
[ad_pod ]