Southampton fans were probably hoping for another home tie in the next round of the FA Cup, perhaps even a local derby against Eastleigh, but they were handed an away fixture, but not one they should fear.

Saints were the second team out of the hat in the draw this evening, that meant that they would travel to the first name to be drawn Watford.

With respect to the Hornets not a trip that we will fear even if again we play a weakened side against them, as they may also do given their own promotion aspirations.

Elsewhere Eastleigh were handed a dream tie against Manchester United if they can overcome Newport County in their upcoming replay, not an impossible task given that the Welsh side are only a division above them.

If Saints can beat Watford then they could have a decent cup run with several all Premier League ties in the 4th round including Tottenham V Manchester City, Chelsea V Aston Villa, Sheffield United V Brighton & Fulham V Newcastle.

That means that at least 4 Premier League sides will have to depart the competition in this round, joining Arsenal who went out against Liverpool on Sunday and one out of Brentford and Wolves.

So a repeat of the 2003 FA Cup semi final at Villa Park when Saints triumphed 2-1 to reach the final at Cardiff

Photo: Action Images

SanMarco added 09:48 - Jan 9 Beforehand I said the worst draw would be away at a mid-table second division club and that is exactly what we got. Home against one of the big boys would have been far more interesting.
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