Southampton vs Grimsby prediction: ENGLAND: FA Cup betting tips on match 2023-02-28 19:15.
A 1-0 loss against relegation rivals Leeds, for a tenth defeat in their last 12 Premier League (PL) matches (W2), ensured Southampton ended the day bottom of the PL for the 69th time this season! Securing their top-flight safety appears increasingly unlikely, but the FA Cup has been a welcome distraction for the Saints. They’ve progressed from their last three FA Cup fifth-round ties and could reach a third consecutive quarter-final for the first time since 1899/00 if they can negotiate the threat of League Two side Grimsby in the first H2H since January 1978.
Southampton have a history of doing well against lower-league teams, having lost just one of their last 32 FA Cup matches against such sides (W25, D6). Manager Rubén Sellés will hope his team can live up to that tradition as Southampton’s last four competitive home wins have all come in cup competitions.
Mid-table League Two side Grimsby are the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition and are eyeing more history. Having reached the fifth-round for the first time since 1995/96, the Mariners are looking to book their first quarter-final appearance since 1938/39. Achieving that would be extra special as the visitors would become the first team in this competition’s history to eliminate five teams from a higher division in a single campaign.
That’s easier said than done though, as Grimsby have lost their last four FA Cup matches against Premier League opponents. Paul Hurst’s side could be all geared up to change that narrative though, as a single loss across their last four away games (W2, D1) raises hopes of executing another giant killing on the south coast.
Players to watch: James Ward-Prowse getting on the scoresheet could be a good omen for Southampton, as his last three league strikes and five career FA Cup goals have come in wins. Looking to outshine the Saints skipper could be Grimsby’s Harry Clifton, who has directly contributed to four FA Cup goals contributions this season.
Hot stat: Southampton have scored first in seven of their last ten FA Cup home matches.