In the previous cup games we have given the youngsters a chance to shine. However since we are away at Millwall which is probably the most hostile environment in the country, do you think the youngsters could become overawed at the experience. I know we need to give them a challenge but do you think that this is a step too far?? Plus we need a win to gain some momentum for the crucial game against Cardiff. prideofthesouth
The whole Millwall thing is a myth. It's by far the safest away day now and on the pitch they won't really feel it.
Millwall is also attracting rather small crowds of late...10,539 for the last home league fixture, and 3,751 for the replay against Dag & Red. Would be surprised if there were more than 8,000 on hand, several hundred of which will probably be Southampton fans, so it shouldn't be that overbearing an atmosphere.
They'll be fine, no better or worse than any other away match. Times have changed and Millwall fans just aren't intimidating anymore, not how it was in the 80s.
There is also the thought that some of the better players are ready to return after injury and it wouldn't do any harm to test them out in a game that may not hold as much importance as the Promotion race, the bench can hold more options. I guess Ricky would be annoyed if he was not involved, hopefully he will take it out on the Lions in the best way possible.
Have you told Millwall fans this? Agree we should give the kids a go and use it as a match fitness test for Rickie. Anyway, if you've ever played football you'll know that real intimidation comes from the opponent who cheerfully tells you that you are "rather rubbish, old boy" (they were more polite in my day!) and is telling you how he is going to break your legs every 5 minutes. I'm sure these boys have had a bit of sledging over the years. They've handled it so far.
many of the youngsters on the fringe will be playing tonight and a couple have been called up for england next week so this may complicate things
They'll play - Shaw and Chambers won't be involved as they have been caled up to England, but Reeves, Ward-Prowse and Stephens (among others) may well be involved Shame Sam Hoskins is injured again though
I hope Lambert plays to regain match sharpness. Maybe Richardson should also get a short outing and I expect Puncheon and De Ridder to play too. I hope Bialkowski gets a run out and Harding and Martin are allowed to rebuild their confidence. Still worried what Henderson could do to us if we play an inexperience defence... Having said all of this we have no idea what team Millwall will play either or who is fit to play for Saints: Bialkowski, Richardson, Martin, Fonte(?), Harding, Cork, Ward-Prowse, Hammond, Puncheon, De Ridder, Lambert.
This, but due to injuries (not sure when fonte will be back) don't be surprised to see cork start and then be pulled off if we are winning as a cb. Is falque eligible for the cup? Lee may well get a dubs appearance as well.
I'm not especially worried about the cup this season, but I do think getting back into the winning habit is important right now.......so let's go and play a strong team.
