IT is the glamour fixture that every Saints fan has been waiting for.

The magic of the FA Cup is set to descend on Southampton tomorrow when Nigel Adkins’ team take on the Premier League might of Manchester United.

But transport chiefs will have to conjure up some wizardry of their own to cater for the 32,000 supporters who are set to pack out St Mary’s.

Train lines in the Southampton area will be closed all day for engineering work, meaning fans travelling from the north will have to catch a replacement bus service in to the city.

Relive Bobby Stokes 1976 FA Cup Winng Goal

Many of the estimated 4,500 United fans are expected to arrive by coach for the fourth round tie.

But delays of up to 15 minutes are expected for those travelling by train with services halting at Southampton Airport Parkway.

South West Trains will lay on extra buses to allow for the surge in passenger numbers in the run up to the 5.15pm kick -ff.

The company’s spokesman Corinne O’Loughian said: “I don’t think this is going to create many problems.

“Fans should allow for a bit of extra time to get to the game – ten or 15 minutes compared to the normal service.

“But people can have confidence that they will get there on time – it is not a massive issue.”

Echo supporting the Saints…

• See tomorrow’s Daily Echo for your souvenir Saints versus Manchester United supplement • For the big match preview see Echosport

Around 27,000 Saints are expected to flock to St Mary’s on Saturday, to watch their team compete against the likes of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

It is expected to be the biggest turnout since Saints played bitter rivals Portsmouth in a fifth round FA Cup showdown last year.

Meanwhile, police are drafting in extra resources for the match due to the size of the crowd, the late kick-off time and the train disruptions.

Superintendent Rick Burrows said: “The challenge will be exacerbated by the railway being shut. We are working with British Transport Police and service providers to ensure that the bussing in of fans from across the city is delivered efficiently and so that people are not pushed or rushed to get to the game.

“It is a late kick-off so there are opportunities to drink in the city before the game. We will be working with licensees beforehand to make sure that does not lead to over exuberance.

“There will be more resources put in and we are working with the club to make sure that it is a really enjoyable event.”