SAINTS legend Matt Le Tissier is backing his former teammates to pull off an upset and lift the FA Cup tomorrow.

He believes the massive desire of the Southampton players could be the telling factor against Arsenal in the Millennium Stadium showdown.

He said: "It's Arsenal's third final in a row where we haven't been in one since 1976 and I think that the hunger in our players will be there more than in theirs.

"I know Arsenal haven't won a trophy this season and they threw the League away, but I think the extra hunger will tell on the day.

"I think with losing out on the league Arsenal will be disappointed and that will work in our favour. A big factor for me is that Patrick Vieira is missing.

"He dominates the middle of the park and when he's not there they don't have anyone who does the same job. Vieira is the key man in midfield and Sol Campbell in defence and they are difficult to cover for."

Le Tissier, who played for 17 years at Saints, believes James Beattie will give their defence problems.

"There's not a defender in the Arsenal squad who can out-jump James Beattie and that is a great strength for us," he said.

"If you could pick two players from the Arsenal team to be missing one would be Patrick and the other would be Thierry Henry.

"The pressure is on Arsenal - they will be favourites. It will be a failure for them to lose because they were expected to win at least two trophies and the season is a disappointment to them, having failed to win the Premiership given the position they were in."

Although he only retired at the end of last season, Le Tiss insists there will be no feeling of regret at missing out playing in the club's biggest game for 27 years.

He said: "I had my chances and I'm quite happy at the way my career turned out, but I'll be as proud as anyone when the team walks out.

"It's not crossed my mind once that I could be playing. When the lads run out in Cardiff, I will feel slightly nervous and delighted for them."

He added: "I really do fancy our chances and I reckon we will do it. If you push me for a prediction I would say 2-1 with James Beattie and Brett Ormerod scoring."