Don't you just love the FA Cup? In an age when professional football can feel so far detached from reality, there's something rather grounding about participating in a knockout competition that has existed for 151 years, is older than many teams (including Manchester City) and has provided many fans with their favourite football memories.
The magic of the cup is somewhat lost when you're faced with the prospect of a 500-mile round trip on a Sunday and train fares of up to £260. Depressingly, the disdain with which away supporters in this country are treated is nothing new, but City's cup tie with Southampton this weekend has brought the issue back to the fore.
On Sunday, City will travel to St Mary's for their FA Cup quarter-final clash with Southampton, with the game scheduled to kick-off at 3pm. Interest is high among City fans given the club's struggle to win the competition in recent years, and given that Southampton have twice taken points off City in the league this season, it's understandable that many are keen to witness in person what should be a tight match.
