Southampton vs Leicester City: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 14 February 2026
One of the standout ties of the FA Cup fourth round will be played on Saturday at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, where Southampton hosts Leicester City. Let's break down the key talking points ahead of this clash — the second meeting between these sides in just a week, but this time with a coveted place in the next round of the FA Cup at stake.
- See also: Burnley vs Mansfield Town: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 14 February 2026
Match preview
Southampton enter this fixture riding an emotional high after an incredible comeback in the Championship. On Tuesday, the Saints trailed Leicester 0-3 at half-time at King Power Stadium, but turned the match on its head to snatch a breathtaking 4-3 victory thanks to Shea Charles's stoppage-time strike. That win marked their third consecutive league victory and lifted Tonda Eckert’s team to ninth place — just a single point away from the playoff zone.
Southampton’s form is impressive: three straight wins and a confident attacking edge. They’ve already seen off Doncaster in the FA Cup and will be looking to make home advantage count again. The squad is almost at full strength — only Romeu and youngster Bragg are sidelined — so the core remains stable, and the emotional momentum from their last match is clearly on the hosts’ side.
Leicester are enduring one of their most difficult spells in recent years. Since sacking Marti Cifuentes in January, things haven’t improved — the Foxes are winless in six consecutive Championship matches and are hovering just above the relegation zone, only ahead on goal difference after a six-point deduction. The 3-4 defeat to Southampton was a bitter blow to morale.
In the Cup, Leicester previously beat Cheltenham thanks to goals from Daka and Mavididi, but their current form raises plenty of concerns. Injuries in central midfield — Jordan James and Aaron Ramsey are both out — reduce their tactical options. With a packed fixture list and a relegation battle in the league, the visitors’ priorities may well be elsewhere.
Probable line-ups
- Southampton: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Wellington, Downes, Charles, Matsuki, Azaz, Szienza, Stewart
- Leicester City: Stolarczyk, Kristiansen, Aluko, Nelson, Lascelles, Skipp, Winks, Page, Thomas, Fatawu, Ayew
Key facts and head-to-head
- On Tuesday, Southampton beat Leicester 4-3 after trailing 0-3 at half-time.
- Leicester are winless in six consecutive Championship matches.
- Southampton have won three games in a row and are just one point off the playoff spots.
Prediction
Given current momentum and the psychological edge, Southampton look the more cohesive and confident side. Leicester remain unstable and vulnerable at the back, especially in the second half. Expect the hosts to once again exploit their opponent’s weaknesses and book their place in the next round.
