x

Southampton V Blackpool The Preview

Saints once again host Blackpool in the 4th round of the FA Cup as they did in 1976, will they go on to emulate the victory that day and indeed end up at Wembley winning the thing and yes we thought we had no hope of that 47 years ago too.

The chances of Saints reaching an FA cup final in 1976 were far greater than they are in 2023 and the fans had also been unhappy with their manager, who wasn't taking us to the runaway promotion push that was demanded, but all that was about to change.

Fast forward to 2023 and the situation is slightly different, but the aim is still the same hopefully we can go on a decent FA Cup run that will also see it motivate us in the Premier League.

I would expect a much changed side for this one due to several reasons, suspension, opponents in a lower league and the small matter of a do or die Carabao Cup semi final 2nd leg on Tuesday at Newcastle United being the main ones.

Blackpool are on as bad a run as Saints in their Championship campaign, although they beat Nottingham Forest in the 3rd round of the FA Cup 4-1, they have not won a game in the League since the 1st November, losing 6 and drawing 4 in a 10 game run without a win.

That Forest victory shows that they should be taken seriously so Nathan Jones has to pick his side carefully.

But I suspect that it will be a side that differs greatly from the one that played Newcastle on Tuesday, although at the back it will be a case of lacking options with neither the returning Jan Bednarek or new signing James Bree being able to play due to having represented Villa and luton respectively in the 3rd round of the competition so therefore being cup tied.

I would not be surprised to see Willy Caballero a rare game in goal, but along the back line it is anyone's guess, I presume that we might have to go to a back four, if only for the fact we only have two centre halves available, unless Nathan Joes throws in a youngster.

James Ward Prowse will obviously be a given, but in front of the defence it is anyone's guess who will fill those roles.

What we want from this game though is a victory and we will be confident of getting it even with our fringe players in the side, the truth should be that they will be too strong for Blackpool, the likes of Sekou Mara, Ainsley Maitland- Niles, Joe Aribo could all be in contention with perhaps a few of our highly rated youngsters given an opportunity.

This game is not firing the fans up, they have eyes on Tuesday and indeed the bigger picture in the FA Cup, but it is still a competition that we want to do well in, however the fans werent exactly salivating over this one in 1976 and their modern day counterparts are following suit, their will undoubtably be a lower crowd at St Mary's than there was at the Dell 47 years ago.

What to read next:

Returning Pompey defender reflects on 'lonely place' as he looks to kick on
One of Pompey's returning casualties has spoken of the tough time he has had on the sidelines.
Fratton foursome give fans and manager good news - but one Pompey new boy is crocked
Pompey's treatment room is starting to thin out somewhat - although it does now have a new casualty.
Pompey's 1985-86 season: Bans, crushes, a Carlisle nightclub and an agonising end
Everything has a spin-off these days, so why should View From The North Stand not follow suit? If you don't know, that's the name of my column in the Pompey programme, now in its 18th season in its current guise.
Quick on the draw: Would one more point suit Pompey against Sunderland?
Pompey have been quick on the draw upon their return to the Championship. Three games - and all have ended all-square.
Who comes in? Pompey and new boys head for the Riverside
Pompey head to Middlesbrough this weekend and there will almost be as much interest in what happens at 2pm as 3pm.
Two games in - and Pompey have concerns among the excitement
Pompey are two games into the season - and it's fair to say that most fans would have said 'yes please' if offered a point from Elland Road and a League Cup exit at the hands of Millwall in those two opening tussles.
Two proper clubs going toe to toe - why Leeds v Pompey excites Mousinho
A visit to Leeds might be one of Pompey's toughest looking trips of the season as they begin life back in th Championship - but John Mousinho is happy with the hand the fixture computer has dealt them.
Luton at lunchtime - Sunday in Sunderland: it's your latest Pompey fixture changes for Sky
A lunch date with Luton, a Sunday in Sunderland and a potentially unlucky trip to Derby - they're all part of Pompey's rearranged fixture list as the new TV deal takes hold.
Jacob in, Jack out - all-change in Pompey's left-back department
It's one in one out in the left-back department as Pompey continue reshaping their squad with two weeks to go before the Championship season begins.
Pompey's week with the non-league neighbours off to fine start
Pompey's non-league neighbours tour is under way and it's a case of so far, so good as boss John Moiusinho reflects on a victory and a good workout at Gosport and looks forward to what he hopes will be more of the same at Havant on Friday and Bognor on Saturday.