Saints calling their next game the ‘Michael Obafemi derby’
Thursday, 6th Jan 2022 11:12 by Gruff Stephens

Michael Obafemi’s best mate at Southampton has revealed the younger squad players are calling the FA Cup game against Swansea City on Saturday as the ‘Michael Obafemi Derby’

Well, here's hoping he starts.

Nathan Tella, Saints twenty two year old midfielder has kept in constant touch with his old team mate Obafemi, but states there will be no old pals act come kick off time in Swansea on Saturday. Talking to his local newspaper Tella said “We spoke a bit about it in the changing room. We just said it is the 'Michael Obafemi derby. We are all looking forward to seeing him again, but at the end of the day, it is not a friendly, it is a competition and we want to win, so we have got to put all friendships aside and hopefully get the win."

Tella has found himself in the very successful Southampton system after leaving Arsenal four years ago. Reading and Norwich both missed out on his talents as he slowly established himself as a premier league player. Looking forward to Saturdays game Tella said “I have spoken to him quite a bit. He is enjoying it there as well, and that's the main thing. I hope he continues to play and I wish him the best of luck. Not against us though. I hope they lose then, but I still want him to do the best he can and be the best player he can."

Nathan Tella us another one

Obafemi is expected to start on Saturday in what will be the first Swansea City competitive game for four weeks. There is some speculation the swans could start with two strikers, and after such a long lay off Joel Piroe, despite this being an FA Cup game is itching to get on the pitch. With Liam Cullen apparently wanted elsewhere it could be the swans don’t want to risk him getting injured, and his inclusion or otherwise will indicate the progress of any loan move.

With this game being televised LIVE the swans will receive a healthy fee for the game being on the BBC. They also have the capacity to claim losses of revenue from the Welsh Assembly. In Wales nobody can attend sporting events. All this whilst from Friday Covid entry requirements are reduced drastically to just a day two test for visitors to England. Time for Mr Drakeford to catch up in his thinking we think.