Southampton V Watford The FA Cup Replay Preview
Up at Vicarage Road it was a case of two many changes upset the rhythm, but we got out of jail by bringing on a few of the big guns so what side will Russell Martin pick for this game ?
One player will be missing from the first game at Watford and that is Mason Holgate who has departed for Sheffield United, this will leave a dilemma for Russell Martin in the centre of defence, in the first game he paired Taylor Harwood Bellis with Jack Stephens with Holgate at right back and Meghoma on the right.
I would doubt that he would risk both of his first choice central defenders in the replay, so he has a dilemma to make on who slots in at right back, perhaps Jack Stephens will be slotted in on the right with Shea Charles coming into the centre of the back four.
This highlights the fact we are stretched for options at the back with Holgate gone and Bree still injured.
In the centre of midfield, I would expect Joe Rothwell to start along with perhaps Will Smallbone, but if Charles has to play in defence then who else starts in the centre is anyone's guess..
On Saturday it has gone a little unnoticed that Sam Edozie returned to the squad and I would expect a start for him on Tuesday night up front with Sekou Mara in the centre and David Brookes getting in his first start.
As at Vicarage Road I would expect a few of the first teamers on the bench, to come on and save the day if neccessary.
But with a trip to Liverpool up for grabs, do we really want another game in the schedule, especially one that would probably end out unbeaten run if it is still in place, I know people who would prefer this game against Watford to end in a draw and we go out on penalties, essentially keeping our unbeaten intact but avoiding an extra game and a trip to Anfield.
We know this will be used to give the fringe players a chance, we just hope they take it a bit more than they did in the first game, however on a plus side I don't think we will play as badly in this game as we did in the first 70 minutes of the first.
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