Saints are sweating on the fitness of Adam Lallana and Andrew Surman ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash with Manchester United.

The pair are both suffering from ankle injuries but are desperate to play in what would be the highest profile game of their careers so far.

St Mary’s will be sold out for the first time this season for the visit of the reigning Premiership and Champions League trophy holders and the game is being broadcast live on Setanta and, with United’s vast following, will be watched by millions around the world.

Surman remains very much touch and go to make it but there is at least a little optimism that he can be fit.

However, the odds of Lallana making it are lengthening and things look very much stacked against him at this stage.

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