Fraser Spinney Archives: 01/2024

Southampton enjoyed a relatively comfortable afternoon’s work in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, as they beat League Two Walsall 4-0 at St Mary’s.

A third round FA Cup tie against League Two Walsall had real banana skin potential for Southampton, but they comfortably despatched of their opponents with a 4-0 win.

The speculation around footballer’s futures is rife at this time of the year, given that clubs are scrambling around in the January transfer window to ensure their squads are ready for the second half of the season.

Southampton welcome League Two opposition to St Mary’s on Saturday in the form of Walsall, with manager Russell Martin expected to ring the changes for the FA Cup clash.

Whilst Russell Martin will be mindful of avoiding another embarrassing cup exit, he will see this game as an opportunity to rest some of his key players and take a look at some of the players who have been on the periphery this season.

Southampton fans were concerned when they saw Sam Edozie limp off in the first half of the New Year’s Day draw with Norwich City, after a nasty Jack Stacey challenge left the winger unable to continue.

Mason Holgate has struggled to get into the Southampton side since joining in the summer which has led to talk of the defender cutting his season-long loan from Everton short this month.

With the January transfer window now open, Southampton may well be eyeing up a striker to add some extra firepower for their promotion push.

After a busy festive period, Southampton take a break from Championship action this weekend as they welcome League Two Walsall to St Mary’s in the FA Cup.

Southampton were frustrated as the full-time whistle blew at Carrow Road on New Years Day, as a second-half equaliser gave Norwich City a point against the run of play.