Southampton host Watford in an FA Cup fourth round replay tonight.
Southampton welcome Championship rivals Watford to St Mary’s tonight, after drawing their FA Cup fourth round tie at St Mary’s last month.
That game ended 1-1; extending the Saints’ unbeaten run, with Russell Martin‘s side having since won 2-0 away at Rotherham United to take their unbeaten run to 23 games in all competitions.
It’s a record-breaking run for the club and so Martin may be inclined to play a strong side tonight as he bids to keep this current momentum going, with a sizeable £120,000 reward up for grabs for tonight’s winner as well.
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Martin made nine changes for the initial game vs Watford, though how he might line up in tonight’s game remains to be seen.
Two who won’t be featuring are the now departed Carlos Alcaraz and Mason Holgate, as well as the Saints’ usual injury list of late; James Bree, Juan Larios, Ross Stewart, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Joe Aribo remains on international duty with Nigeria.
How might Russell Martin line up vs Watford?
With league fixtures coming thick and fast between now and the March international break, and with the Saints now in the automatic promotion spots, Martin may be inclined to give some a rest tonight.
Expect Joe Lumley to start in goal in place of Gavin Bazunu, and expect some changes to the defensive line up with youngster Jayden Meghoma getting another cup start, along with Jack Stephens, whilst one of Jan Bednarek or Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be given a rest, with 20-year-old Nico Lawrence a potential wildcard selection.
In midfield, expect Shea Charles to be given a start, potentially alongside David Brooks and fellow January arrival Joe Rothwell.
Then in attack, Adam Armstrong could come into the middle, alongside Ryan Fraser to ensure that the Saints still have some prowess, and maybe youngster Sekou Mara on the right.
Here’s how we think Southampton will line up against Watford tonight:
Lumley (GK)
Meghoma
Bednarek
Lawrence
Stephens
Brooks
Charles
Rothwell
Fraser
Armstrong
Mara