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Southampton: FA Cup replay could be blessing in disguise for Saints

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton (not pictured) is shown a red card and is sent off by referee Paul Tierney during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton (not pictured) is shown a red card and is sent off by referee Paul Tierney during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s FA Cup replay with Derby County on Wednesday evening adds an extra game to their schedule but could also be a blessing in disguise.

A midweek game after a busy Christmas period may not be seen as ideal by Ralph Hasenhuttl but it could provide some benefits too.

The main one is the return of three suspended players in time for a crucial Premier League clash with Everton at the weekend.

The cup replay marks the final games of bans for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Charlie Austin and Yan Valery and they can therefore be in contention for Saturday.

Hojbjerg is likely to go back into the starting line-up once available after his impressive form earlier in the season and because of his leadership qualities.

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DERBY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Duane Holmes of Derby County battles for possession with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the FA Cup Third Round match between Derby County and Southampton at Pride Park on January 5, 2019 in Derby, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
DERBY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Duane Holmes of Derby County battles for possession with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the FA Cup Third Round match between Derby County and Southampton at Pride Park on January 5, 2019 in Derby, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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Valery has also been a regular starter over Cedric at right-back, whilst Austin may play if Danny Ings isn’t fit.

Tomorrow’s game could also provide an ideal opportunity for some of the Saints youngsters to play themselves back into first-team plans.

Players such as Sam Gallagher haven’t had much game-time at all this season, whilst others such as Jake Hesketh and Josh Sims have just returned to the club following decent spells out on-loan.

Under previous managers, it has been hard for academy graduates to make an impression in the senior set-up. However, that has changed under Hasenhuttl with Valery, Michael Obafemi, Kayne Ramsay, Tyreke Johnson and Callum Slattery making appearances recently.

Although a strong Saints team is expected, if a youngster takes full advantage and provides an important contribution for the team it may be hard to leave them out in the long-term.

Following a crucial league win at Leicester last weekend, a home replay provides an ideal opportunity to get another victory and continue their positive run.

After a beginning to the season where they couldn’t buy a win, Saints must take advantage of their upcoming run of favourable games and will have a good chance if they keep winning.

Results have not been great at home either and – despite a potentially small crowd at St Mary’s tomorrow – a victory could help the players to readjust in front of their own fans.