Saints Marching
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Newcastle United 3-0 Southampton: Key takeaways

By Nikos Lemanis

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton looks dejected during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton looks dejected during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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WIGAN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Dan Burn of Wigan Athletic celebrates on the final whistle after the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester City at DW Stadium on February 19, 2018 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
WIGAN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Dan Burn of Wigan Athletic celebrates on the final whistle after the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester City at DW Stadium on February 19, 2018 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

FA Cup headache

The FA Cup now presents both and opportunity and a headache for Saints. On one hand, there is a realistic chance of reaching a semi final and securing a day out at Wembley. Having said that, we’ve already been there once this season and not had the greatest of times… 

On the other hand the team don’t need any distractions from what has become a dire situation in the league. By the time Southampton turn their attentions back to the league, the table may look very different. Game in hand or not, there is a distinct chance the team could be well into the relegation zone when they travel to the Olympic Stadium for a huge 6-pointer.

And on top of that, there are selection issues at the back next weekend.

Both Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt have been a yellow card form a one match ban for a while now. And both picked up bookings in Newcastle.

The cynic in me fancies that they were sent out to tackle a bit harder than usual on Saturday, resulting in suspensions against Wigan next weekend then a reintroduction against West Ham in the league.

This would make some sense if there were alternative centre backs to deputise in the cup tie. But with Maya Yoshida injured and Florin Gardos away on loan, only Jan Bednarek remains as a natural in that position.

The most likely solution is the introduction of Will Wood or Alfie Jones (or both) from the under-23’s.

Either way, it will be interesting to see how the new boys perform compared to their more senior teammates.