FA Cup 
/ Dan Fitch / 28 January 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Hernandez could start after his super sub appearance in midweek.
They may have had to come from behind against Blackpool, but the visitors have been leading at half-time in six of their last eight wins, in which they have scored within the first five minutes on five occasions.
Southampton might have past form in beating Manchester United in the FA Cup, but Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch expects no shocks against a visiting side that are quick off the mark. Best Bet: Back Manchester United to win half-time/full-time @ [2.2].
Venue: St Mary's
Kick-Off/TV: 17:15/ITV1
Despite having won the FA Cup more than any other team, Manchester United have not had their hands on the trophy since 2004. As the [5.1] favourites to win the competition, they are expected to make it safely through to the fifth round on Saturday.
Standing in their way are Southampton, who famously beat United to win the FA Cup in 1976. On that day there was one division dividing the teams. These days they are two divisions and a whole world apart.
Manchester United are likely to rotate their squad and will definitely have a fringe player between the posts, as Edwin van der Sar has been left out, giving an opportunity to either Anders Lindegaard or Tomasz Kuszczak to prove that they can replace him next season. Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva are also all out, while Michael Carrick is doubtful with an injury.
Southampton could be without their skipper Dean Hammond who has a calf problem and Adam Lallana, who had been suffering from a knee injury. New singing Dany N'Guessan, who arrives on loan from Leicester, is available.
Match Odds: Southampton [8.4], the draw [4.8], Manchester United [1.48]
Manchester United may have gone out of the FA Cup to League 1 opposition last season, but I don't expect them to make the same mistake twice and think that the [1.48] on offer for an away win is good value.
United's defence might have an unfamiliar look and offer Southampton some encouragement, with the likes of Wes Brown, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Fabio all in the running to start.
In the midfield and attack though, the visitors have more strength in depth. Ryan Giggs should start having come on at half-time to rescue his side in midweek, while Javier Hernandez will relish the opportunity to get back amongst the goals after scoring on Tuesday.
Southampton knocked out Premier League opposition in the form of Blackpool in the third round, but lightning rarely strikes twice.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 [1.73], Under 2.5 [2.32]
Southampton are a good defensive side, with only top of the table Brighton having conceded less goals within their division. With that in mind, the [2.32] available for under 2.5 goals could give you an opportunity to trade In-Play.
It's a risky strategy though. In the last week United have shown against Birmingham and Blackpool that they've got plenty of goals in them and it will only take an early one for the game to open up.
Therefore I'd recommend backing the overs at [1.73]. With United looking likely to field a weakened defence both teams could easily get on the score-sheet.
Half Time/Full Time
If you fancy a United win but think that the match odds are too small for your liking, then I'd recommend backing them to be winning at half-time and full-time at [2.2].
They may have had to come from behind against Blackpool, but the visitors have been leading at half-time in six of their last eight wins, in which they have scored within the first five minutes on five occasions.
If you reckon that the Saints will make life tough, the draw/Manchester United is [4.9] and the draw/draw is [7.8].
First Goalscorer
Considering that the Mexican is likely to start, the [5.5] that should be available for Hernandez to open the scoring when the market opens on Betfair, looks better than the [4.2] for Dimtar Berbatov or the [4.5] for Wayne Rooney.
The much hyped Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain should be priced at around [18.0] for Southampton, with Richard Lambert the favourite for the home team at about [11.0].
Best Bet: Manchester United to win half-time/full-time @ [2.2]
Recommended Bets: Over 2.5 goals @ [1.73], Javier Hernandez to score first @ [5.5]
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