Saints v Leicester FA Cup 4th Round - Saturday 14th Feb 3PM

[St Chalet]

Following on from the great high of last night. Looking forward to the chants to Leicester fans having given them a further 3 point deduction in the second half.

Although it is anniversary year, focus has to be on the league. For me:

McCarthy / Long

Jelert

Manning

Quarshie

Wood

Bragg

Romeu

Matsuki

Robinson

Edozie

Archer

 

Also don't let Ross Stewart anywhere the stadium let alone the pitch/bench

 

[goodymatt]

McCarthy had had a scheduled surgery so will be missing for a couple of weeks apparently. Welington has a tight hamstring, you could see Larin asking him about it in the celebration video, hopefully he’s fine for the next league game.

In general we do need to rest our players and focus on the playoff chase. Makes predicting the score in this one quite difficult.

Edited yesterday at 11:36 by goodymatt

[trousers]

I'm in two minds (just for a change....!)

As we don't have a midweek match next week, there's an argument for giving our first choice starting 11 another opportunity to gel even further, and keep the momentum building.

But there's also a case for giving those players a week off to relax and rejuventate.

Swings and roundabouts.

Edited yesterday at 11:36 by trousers

[St Chalet]

Lets see what comes out of the Tondbola

[benjii]

9 minutes ago, St Chalet said:

Following on from the great high of last night. Looking forward to the chants to Leicester fans having given them a further 3 point deduction in the second half.

Although it is anniversary year, focus has to be on the league. For me:

McCarthy / Long

Jelert

Manning

Quarshie

Wood

Bragg

Romeu

Matsuki

Robinson

Edozie

Archer

 

Also don't let Ross Stewart anywhere the stadium let alone the pitch/bench

 

No, no, no.

 

Macca (if not fit then Peretz)

Jelert

Quarshie

Stephens

Manning

Jander

Bragg

Matsuki

Azaz

Edozie

Larin

 

Bench: GK, Bree, Wood, Romeu, Charles, Stewart, Archer, Robinson, nipper 

Edited yesterday at 11:41 by benjii

[SNSUN]

I want a cup run, even if it's to the next round and we come up against Arsenal, City or Liverpool. It will boost morale. We know we can beat Leicester, we know they are a poor side and we know not to let the first half from yesterday happen again.

And yet... there is a little tiny weenie, miniscule piece of me that wants us to concentrate on the League. It's tricky. I do not think we should make sweeping changes, this isn't the Carabao. We need to put out a competitive side with maybe a few changes that won't completely diminish us in quality. It's a tie where, if we win, great. But one that if we lose, with our Championship play-off credentials becoming more important, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Leicester will probably think the same, being that they're now firmly in a relegation battle, which makes me think they may not be up for it as much as they were in the first half yesterday. Also Mukasa, who was good last night on his debut, can't play against us as he is cup tied

Personally my team would be something like:

Peretz (McCarthy is  out and I'm not sure I want to see what George Long is like unless I have to). 

Jelert (Rest Bree for the League)

THB

Wood (or Quarshie but Wood seems to be the bench option currently for Tonda)

Welington (he could be rested for Manning but against Fatawu, Leicester's only decent player, I wouldn't feel comfortable)

Charles (for Downes who I'd give a rest to)

Bragg (Jander needs a game off)

Matsuki (rest Fellows)

Azaz 

Edozie (Scienza rest, plus I just like Edozie.)

Stewart

 

Essentially I'd keep the spine the same, although I've changed both CMs I still consider Charles as a first choice. CM is the position we can rotate without a drastic dip in quality.

[Jack]

Whoever starts, they need to analyse the first half of last night’s game and do the exact opposite. Play a target man, move the ball quicker, don’t aim for 700+ passes across the back 4, show for the ball, play into midfield, press, get stuck in and win 2nd balls. 

[Oisin]

No midweek game so no need to specifically save anyone but on the other hand not a priority so worth resting any with knocks, or any who have done a lot of minutes. Plus also a chance to give minutes to those who need.

Scienza could do with a rest imho. Possibly Jander too. Matsuki deserves a run out and I think Charles needs minutes. Bragg, Edozie, Robinson and Larin could all do with minutes but maybe from the bench? And if Wellington is carrying a tweak he should be spared.

Id go something like

Peretz

Bree THB Stephens Manning

Charles Downes

Matsuki Azaz Edozie

Stewart

 

Id plan for Bragg/Downes Stewart/Larin and Robinson for Edozie or Azaz subs.

I might possibly try and find room for Quarshie too but would ideally like to keep the gk and 2 cbs settled

[Pamplemousse]

Loads of tickets left, going to be a small crowd despite the cheap tickets. Hopefully the uptick in form will see a few last minute purchases

[saintant]

I'm guessing Leicester will have to consider resting some of their better players seeing as they are now in a battle to avoid relegation. If that proves the case then we should be able to field a decent team capable of beating them.

[SNSUN]

9 minutes ago, saintant said:

I'm guessing Leicester will have to consider resting some of their better players seeing as they are now in a battle to avoid relegation. If that proves the case then we should be able to field a decent team capable of beating them.

So that's Fatawu rested then. 😀

I do think they might field some of their younger players. They seem to be crying out to play Aluko at right back over Ricardo and Kristiansen over Thomas at left back. I think Monga is injured or he'd be playing. They will also have no Mukasa, Vestergaard, Choudhury, Soutter, Ramsey, Aribo or Cordova-Reid. They're down to the bare bones.

[Chez]

I'd rest them all except Peretz, Charles and Larin - as both might need some playing time to get them match fit. Do we have any other injuries?

Peretz
Roerslev Wood Quarshie Manning
Bragg Charles
Robinson Matsuki Edozie
Larin

Long, Jelert, THB, Romeu, Sesay, Williams, Archer, Oyekunle

[Saint_clark]

We shouldn't be making anywhere near that many changes. Keep the momentum going. 

[Baird of the land]

At the very least

Given Stephens age i'd expect him to drop out for Quarshie

Given Stewart was only meant to play 20 minutes, i'd assume he won't start. An opportunity to work out Larin

Given the previous management of Scienza's minutes i'd expect him to be out too. An opportunity to work out edozie

Given our depth at Cm i'd expect changes there. (Charles/Bragg)

It would be nice to see someone like Sesay, who hasn't had an opportunity, to be on the bench.

[notnowcato]

Minutes for the squad is more important than the result. 

[Hawkswood]

Sadly I didn't get to see any of last nights match so I can only go hy what I heard on here. First of all Id completely rest Stewart. Its abundantly clear that the rest of the season essentially rests on him being avaliable. Id start Larin to give him a run up and build up his minutes.  He'll be blowing out his arse by the 60th, so loathed as I am to use him, it might have to Archer to replace him.  Or actually okekunle but he looks very raw.

Id be tempted to start Jander and Fellows, simply to redeem themselves.

Id also rest Leo Downes Wellington and Stephens for Matsuki Charles Manning Quarshie in that order. 

Bragg Romeu Jelert Edozie Robinson could come on.

 

[Lighthouse]

I’d probably make a few changes but not the whole team. Something like:

Peretz

Jelert   Wood   Quarshie   Manning

Charles  Bragg

Fellows   Matsuki   Edozie

Larin

[Harry_SFC]

Peretz, Jelert, THB, Quarshie, Manning, Charles, Bragg, Edozie, Azaz, Matsuki, Larin.

 

[SNSUN]

There are so many varied line up choices on here i bet it's a headache for Tonda to decide what to do. Go strong and win, he gets plaudits.  Go strong and lose, at least he put a strong side out. Rest loads and win, he's a genius. Rest loads and lose, he's a knob and didn't take the cup seriously. 😜

Anyone getting the line up bang on gets a cheap bottle of Sainsbury's Vodka. 🤪

[maysie]

2 hours ago, Chez said:

I'd rest them all except Peretz, Charles and Larin - as both might need some playing time to get them match fit. Do we have any other injuries?

Peretz
Roerslev Wood Quarshie Manning
Bragg Charles
Robinson Matsuki Edozie
Larin

Long, Jelert, THB, Romeu, Sesay, Williams, Archer, Oyekunle

Roerslev is injured and seeing a specialist 

[Football Special]

I think the recent good run of results has given the morale a boost , would be a shame to lose that momentum buts it's inevitable that most of the starting XI will change, expect Leicester will do similar, I wouldn't be surprised if this goes to penalties, I'll predict 1-1 in normal time. 

Being Valentines day i expect we'll see a number of fans bringing loved ones, perhaps even a half time proposal on the pitch, haven't had one of those for a while , get to sing you don't know what you're doing for the bantz 

[Turkish]

6 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

I’d probably make a few changes but not the whole team. Something like:

Peretz

Jelert   Wood   Quarshie   Manning

Charles  Bragg

Fellows   Matsuki   Edozie

Larin

Isn’t that everyone apart from Peretz and Felllows?!!  Not the whole team just 9 of them 😂

[AlexLaw76]

Manning, Jelert, Wood, Bragg, Edozie, Larin, Matsuki

are bound to play this one. Romeu may even make the bench

[SuperSAINT]

6 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

I’d probably make a few changes but not the whole team. Something like:

Peretz

Jelert   Wood   Quarshie   Manning

Charles  Bragg

Fellows   Matsuki   Edozie

Larin

Pretty sensible, imo. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

Go sensible surely for this, a strongish team whilst also giving minutes to some of those bench players.

I don’t see how we don’t win.

We’re unstoppable. We’re gonna win the cup! 🤣

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

I think the recent good run of results has given the morale a boost , would be a shame to lose that momentum

Exactly, so try to keep the same team. Peretz stays in goal since McCarthy is apparently having surgery. Save Stewart and if Welington has a tight hamstring, then he can't be risked, but otherwise put out the best team.

Start with Larin. Start with Matsuki (he was good against Leicester) and play a back 4. We're starting to feel comfortable with this formation.

 

[St. Ciervo]

Peretz must start. There is no point giving the others minutes. Peretz is still shaking of the rust and is clearly becoming an integral part of the team. Let that happen.

But enter Tinkering Tonda...

[Give it to Ron]

I saw Peretz had a problem with hand/finger during the Leicester game trainer was on so it may be Long

[Football Special]

37 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

I saw Peretz had a problem with hand/finger during the Leicester game trainer was on so it may be Long

Yeah good point, he didn't look comfortable at all , treatment lasted for a few minutes but he did manage to play on , hopefully whatever that was can sort itself out without missing a game 

[Football Special]

I genuinely think that Championship clubs have a disincentive to progress in this competition, just look at the fixture schedules , the Premier League keep a completely clear calendar for rounds 5 and quarter final, if they progress = no fixtures to reschedule. 

If we progress it opens up a whole headache of fixture backlog 

March 7th we're due to be home to Norwich, good chance that will need to move if either we progress or Norwich beat West Brom at home. 

April 4th - Easter weekend, we are due to play Ipswich (H) on friday 3rd, Wrexham (A) Monday 6th. Potentially two fixtures to reschedule. Wrexham play Ipswich in 4th round so one of them is sure to be in round 5. 

 

FA Cup dates. 

Fifth Round Proper: Saturday 7 March 2026

Quarter Final: Saturday 4 April 2026

[Chez]

2 hours ago, Give it to Ron said:

I saw Peretz had a problem with hand/finger during the Leicester game trainer was on so it may be Long

Or some other random keeper!

[Football Special]

Have we ever worn yellow in a home game before? 

I remember the random special white shirt we had at home to Coventry in the Cup a few years ago , and have worn 'away' kits in pre-season friendlies like pink vs Lazio but can't recall a yellow one, certainly in a competitive game.

Anyway, YELLOWS YELLOWS YELLOWS 

 

Edited 9 hours ago by Football Special

[suewhistle]

Maybe it will be the last chance to wear the commemorative shirt?!

[UpweySaint]

9 hours ago, St. Ciervo said:

Peretz must start. There is no point giving the others minutes. Peretz is still shaking of the rust and is clearly becoming an integral part of the team. Let that happen.

But enter Tinkering Tonda...

Really see the point but the counter is should Peretz get injured would we want Long to at least have had some game time in a less important game?

[DT]

Keep a settled team. Benefits beyond the 'resting'; builds momentum.

No doubt he will completely change it.

PS a few more managers suddenly available. Hmmm. Tempting.

[Convict Colony]

he was talking crazy shit last week and he continues again this week.

Another win inbound confirmed 👌 

2-0

 

Edited 7 hours ago by Convict Colony

[Nogginsfc]

This thread sums up everything I hate with football these days. FA Cup weekends used to be a highlight of the season. Now the trend seems to be that it is edgy to not care about it, and all about the league.

For a club like Saints, it is very rare when in February we won't either be looking at going up, or in a relegation battle, or at least looking over our shoulder. 

For me supporting saints is wanting to see them hopefully win a major trophy in my lifetime. Yes the chance is next to f*ck all, but there is still a chance. Just hate the arrogance towards the cups these days from fans, when those competitions have given us a large proportion of the most memorable moments.

[Verbal]

4 hours ago, Football Special said:

Have we ever worn yellow in a home game before? 

I remember the random special white shirt we had at home to Coventry in the Cup a few years ago , and have worn 'away' kits in pre-season friendlies like pink vs Lazio but can't recall a yellow one, certainly in a competitive game.

Anyway, YELLOWS YELLOWS YELLOWS 

 

Christ - who does the club's laundry?

[Fabrice29]

2 hours ago, DT said:

Keep a settled team. Benefits beyond the 'resting'; builds momentum.

No doubt he will completely change it.

PS a few more managers suddenly available. Hmmm. Tempting.

Anybody advocating us not changing the team around forfeits the right to complain about Wood etc when they come in cold in a few weeks time.

[DT]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Anybody advocating us not changing the team around forfeits the right to complain about Wood etc when they come in cold in a few weeks time.

Professional footballer unable to do their job shock

[Bob60]

9 hours ago, Give it to Ron said:

I saw Peretz had a problem with hand/finger during the Leicester game trainer was on so it may be Long

He did the same at the end of the Watford game, hopefully he can keep going.

[Harry_SFC]

Judging by the training video put out by the club today I think there could be 11 changes.

No sign of Scienza, Fellows, THB, Stephens, Bree, Welington, Jander, Downes, or Azaz. 

There were 4 or 5 academy lads there as well, so could be a very young bench too. 

[Football Special]

6 minutes ago, Harry_SFC said:

Judging by the training video put out by the club today I think there could be 11 changes.

No sign of Scienza, Fellows, THB, Stephens, Bree, Welington, Jander, Downes, or Azaz. 

There were 4 or 5 academy lads there as well, so could be a very young bench too. 

The u21s are due to play away to Norwich tomorrow (Friday) afternoon so will get some idea from that who will be involved. 

Any players WAGS posting pictures from Dubai again? 

[LaptopSaint]

I’d play Fellows, Jander and Archer to allow all of them to exorcise the first half on Tuesday but play Archer up front with Larin in a 4-4-2 (that’s where he’ll thrive) or just behind him if it’s still 4-2-3-1. The nipper can come on when Larin can’t run any more. 

Imagine the bantz when Leicester go three up. 

[Andy Hill]

Agree about Jander - he needs to recover from that awful performance on Tuesday.