Cup matters now for Redknapp as Benitez faces a daunting trip to Watford

SOUTHAMPTON manager Harry Redknapp can now concentrate on Cup competition after his first League win in charge of the Saints.

But for Liverpool easily brushed aside by the Saints on Saturday there is a Cup tie this week of even greater importance if the Reds are to salvage what threatens to be a hugely disappointing season. Having registered his first Premiership win in eight attempts in charge, the new Southampton boss can look forward to a momentous FA Cup meeting at St Mary's next Saturday against his old club and south-coast neighbours Portsmouth.

Rafael Benitez's out-of-sorts Liverpool, meanwhile, face a daunting Carling Cup semi-final second-leg trip to Watford tomorrow. Just a week after fielding an understrength side which made a shameful FA Cup exit away to Coca-Cola Championship side Burnley, Liverpool's European qualification hopes could rest on getting a result at Vicarage Road where Pompey and the Saints have already lost this season.