SAINTS are confident of taking around 2,000 fans with them to this Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Manchester City.

But the fact the tie has been switched to a Sunday has cost the club extra revenue.

The two clubs will each take 45 per cent of the total gate receipts from the Eastlands clash, which has been moved back 24 hours because Manchester United are hosting Pompey the night before. The other 10 per cent goes to the FA.

Saints were entitled to 6,000 tickets under the competition's policy of away clubs getting a maximum 15 per cent of the stadium's capacity.

But head of supporters services David Luker said: "We've only asked for 3,000 tickets.

"Being on a Sunday will have a big effect on how many fans travel.

"Yes, it's a Premiership club but we've been there before and those going might not get back until the early hours and might have to work the following day".

Luker, who said as of yesterday morning Saints had told 700 tickets for the tie, added: "I would expect us to take between 1,500 and 2,000 fans."

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.