Saints could field a weakened team for the FA cup tie with Leicester City at the St.Mary’s Stadium.
Although Burley hasn’t said that he will field a inexperienced team but it seems that would be the idea after the packed Christmas programme.
After the shocker at Watford it is obvious saints need some inspiration, and could this come from a fringe player?
Youngstars like Adam Lallana and Bartosz Bialkowski could get a chance as well as Jamie Hatch who made a few pre-season appearences. It’s also a chance for previously injured players to get a chance to gain match fitness, Darren Powell and Inigo Idiakez could benifit from the cup tie.
Mario Licka has been nothing but a fringe player for the saints, but this could be his chance to shine infront of the home crowd.
Saints could be without loanees Alan Bennett and Andrew Davies could be missing if there clubs don’t allow the player to play.
Grzegorz Rasiak could get a start upfront as saints are struggling to find the net, and Gregory Vignal may be given a chance to play.
Want a ticket? The prices are as follows.
Adults £15
Teens(16-19)and Concessions £5
Children (Under 16) £1.
The team!
The team could be like this:
Bartosz Bialkowski, Jamie Hatch, Darren Powell, Wayne Thomas, Gregory Vignal, Adam Hammill, Youseff Safri, Mario Licka, Rudi Skacel, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Grzegorz Rasiak.
Bench: Kelvin Davis, Jhon Viafara, Adam Lallana, Andrew Surman, Stern John.
Southampton Team News:
In brief Safri could play his last game before African Cup of nations. Loaness might not feature.
Player to watch: Mario Licka
He could make his first appearence for the saints since the last cup game, he is a talented player but Burley doesn’t give him too much chances.
Leicester City Team News:
Newbies Howard and Hayles could start.
Player to watch: Steven Howard
He played a part in the play-off drama and will be looking to haunt the saints again.
Match Facts & Stats
Saints beat Leicester 2-1 at the Walkers on December 1st. Surman scored the winner from the spot.
The last meeting at the St.Mary’s Stadium between saints and the Foxes it was the home side who came out on top, goals from Pele and Prutton saw saints win 2-0.
