Actually quite happy with this, we can go there with nothing to lose, but everything to gain. We can still play some fringe players, but can almost play without fear.
I would play eleven reserves, the priority has to be the league, our squad is not massive, if we pick up injuries, it spells trouble, if we do change the entire team I would show some interest. Some people are not thinking this through, if we go there with a strong team, and get a replay, it could be disastrous, fixtures piling up, you can't have it both ways
I agree with you TS... We've got to prioritise the league and I'm sure Mick will be pragmatic about it!
28 Dec - Saints v Chelsea 1 Jan - Saints v Arsenal 3/4 Jan - Saints v ITFC 11 Jan - Man U v Saints Interesting time to play them.............! We won't be taking 4000 this time like 2010 no way. £20 a ticket!?
Weird this year with LOADS of Prem sides playing new years day, only 2 days until the cup. Be reserves all over the shop! MASSIVE advantage this season for a champ playing a prem side in the cup I'd say...........
Playing the reserves would be a bit disrespectful, how many fans do you think we will take there 2k maybe more to watch the stiffs....you can do that for free on Monday nights!
Playing the reserves may well be disrespectful - however you look at the above 3 games Saints have got around then!?!? They will have a very different side out after their battle at home to Arsenal hopefully two days before I'm happy with Henshall / Parr if he isn't playing / Gherken / et el playing. Oh and of course, cup tie Mings
Westy,if Mings doesn't pick up a "knock" in training or develop a cold in the days leading up to the game I'll be amazed.
quite pleased with the draw. im thinking MM will play a team of partly regulars and throw a few second string in. give dids and murph the day off for sure,promotion is the key ingredient this season being the fact we're in a strong position right now. so i for one won't be losing any sleep over whether we get knocked out or not.
http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/26346/collison-set-to-move-on "McCarthy said he’s pleased to draw Southampton, who are currently fourth in the Premier League, in the FA Cup third round. Asked whether he would field his strongest team, he added: “We haven’t got a game in the following week and I would have thought that the lads would want to play. “I’ll see what we’ve got. We’ve got a squad of 21 operating at the minute and we’ll see who’s fit, who’s ready and we’ll go and take them on.”" Sounds like he could field a strong team against Southampton.
Grrrr from our chance of winning perspective, game moved to Sunday............ However I can now ( if I want ) attend as I'm back on the Saturday