Saints supporters have been given some hope that they can cause a massive upset at Wembley against Manchester City, after City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that he would be playing his reserve goalkeeper in the FA Cup semi final Southampton.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he will play second choice keeper James Trafford at Wembley om Saturday evening.

Speaking in his Pre Match Press Conference he had this to say when asked whether Trafford or Gianluigi Donnarumma would play, Guardiola was unequivocal in his response:

“James,” he said.

“In the Carabao Cup he was a main, main figure and the FA Cup the same. I’m really pleased that he can play.

“I’ve said many times the big clubs have to have two big goalkeepers and we’re really good. James and Gigio are there.”

Of course Trafford is a top class keeper, he was originally sold by City to Burnley for £19 million and then bought back for £31 million last summer, perhaps showing why the Premier League has become so obscene these days.

First choice keeper Donnarumma was actually signed for £5 million less than his understudy and in total City spent £57 million on two goalkeepers at the start of this season.

But as good as he is, he lacks match practice having played just 3 Premier League games this season, 1 in the Champions League and then 10 appearances in both the league cup and FA Cup.

These last two competitions have not provided too much practice for him, one was a 10-1 defeat of Exeter City.

But the hope for Saints is that Donnarumma isn't the only big name missing from the starting line up later today, it is a tough task for Southampton and we will take any advantage we can get.

All Photos Via Reuters