These two clubs have never met before in competition of any sort. Saints will expect to win and will be looking to show the gulf between the two teams is an insurmountable gap for the Robins.
Cheltenham manager Mark Yates has said,’We want to be positive and we will take the game to them(saints) because we aren’t the kind of team to sit back and soak up the pressure.’
Richard Chaplow hopes to be fit for the game after pulling out just before the Brighton game with a slight achilles knock. Dan Seaborne and Dan Harding are both back in light training and could be included in the matchday squad.
It is a long time since Rickie played in the way we saw him doing so often last season and this could be the game that gets him back on song as he has shown signs of recovering his form.
On loan striker Shaun Jeffers could well start if fellow striker Wes Thomas is not yet deemed fit enough as he comes back from injury.
Skipper Michael Pook will be hoping to play as he also comes back from injury.
The young keeper has a growing reputation and can expet a busy day ahead of the match. He will need to be at his best if his team are going to make a fist of it.
Saints have won 6 and drawn 1 of their last home matches.
Cheltenham have won 3, drawn 1 and lost two of their last 6.
Mr Stuart Attwell Officiates
Mr C Powell & Mr M McLaughlin assist
4th official is Mr A Slaughter
I reckon Saints should win but the question is whether we will be as fired up as we have been for the last couple of matches.
2-0
Sat 4th December
Hartlepool v Southampton
Cheltenham v Southend