How can anyone see this fixture in the FA Cup and not be reminded of this: Much like the FA Cup tie in 2011 this match seems absolutely prime for an upset, though the roles are reversed with Blackpool being the underdogs this time. Can see Jones really changing things up here with the Toon second leg on Tuesday which I think he'll prioritise and of course our league position. That said Blackpool have relegation worries of their own so may well rest some players themselves. I'd imagine though that Mick McCarthy will want a good performance in his first game in charge and I think this will be a tough match. Went to buy a ticket for this earlier but then I remembered... VAR UTFS
Orsic to play to give him confidence, Mara & Alcarez too please to give them a run. Still think this is a banana skin and very often Premier League's bottom club slip up. Talking of which, has anyone ever seen or slipped on a banana skin? Me neither.
The Emirates FA Cup fourth round / Saturday 28th January 2023 = Southampton v Blackpool = 3 pm KO Referee - Craig Pawson Assistant Referees - Daniel Robathan & Mark Stevens Fourth Official - Andre Marriner VAR - Thomas Bramall AVAR - Marc Perry
I don’t really mind if we lose this game to be honest. I’m not sure more cup games will be a benefit for us this season with so much at stake. One Wembley trip is enough for the season once we smash Newcastle
Could be a good few days for young Lewis Payne. Signs a new contract today, a 2nd first team start on Saturday?
If in charge I might be tempted to give Alcaraz 45-60 minutes for fitness reasons, as I thought he was flagging a bit in the last 20 minutes Tuesday. Tough call as he will be needed for Tuesday and getting an injury in a less important game would be a kick in the balls.
I had forgotten about that interview. So funny. Couldn’t take a bit of banter. “Premier league you’re having a laugh” gets sung pretty much every time a lower league team plays a PL side. Not sure why he took it to heart
I'd do something similar, with more youth on the bench, though likely Morgan on the right and Mara starting. Between the League Cup semi and our league position, this is not a match where we should be sending out anything close to a full-strength side.
For a team in our position the most important games are the league ones, but any win and a cup run can help build confidence. A reason to be cheerful.
As Schad said in the academy thread. We need to play the youngsters in this one, not Moi and Aribo or Lyanco at right back. can Janny B play? Payne & Ballard or Morgan at least. Doyle should get some involvement too
I've injured myself in every conceivable, and several inconceivable* ways. A banana skin is probably the only inanimate object I haven't yet run afoul of. *I'm currently hobbling around on a broken toe because a hand towel fell from a rack, and I instinctively tried to catch it with my foot...to prevent the towel from shattering on the floor, I guess? I instead kicked the wall at high speed.
There will only be eight other Premier League teams in the 5th round draw, with the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Man City or Arsenal, and Liverpool or Brighton, all absent. There's a great opportunity for another cup run here. Strong bloody team, please NJ. One youth player max to start. If we are winning comfortably then bring as many as you want on to the pitch. Bazunu KWP Lyanco Salisu Perraud Lavia Alcaraz JWP Morgan Mara Orsic JWP/KWP/Lavia/Alcaraz all subbed before 60 mins.
