Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton vs Derby County: F.A Cup – Opposition Threats

By Harry Tizard

DERBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Jack Stephens of Southampton is challenged by Tom Lawrence of Derby County 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: Jack Stephens of Southampton is challenged by Tom Lawrence of Derby County 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
DERBY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: David Nugent of Derby County clears the ball as he is challenged by Callum Slattery 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: David Nugent of Derby County clears the ball as he is challenged by Callum Slattery 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) /

David Nugent 

Former Portsmouth player David Nugent is sure to be one of the key men in Frank Lampards squad for the upcoming encounter at St.Marys.

Southampton comfortable lead was cut short briefly after the introduction of Nugent on fifty-two minutes, with the veterans striker changing the system and causing the Saints back line a problem.

Despite the forward not having a direct involvement in either of Derby’s goals, the striker, capped once by England, tirelessly harassed the defense through high press and held the ball up well in Southampton’s half.

In addition, Nugent added an extra dimension to the Derby attack through being another player the Southampton were forced to deal with. Intelligent runs from the thirty-three year old helped Derby unlock the Saints defence through giving Derby more width in attack – allowing his teammates to profit from extra space in front of goal.

Despite offering a different option to Frank Lampard’s attacking arsenal, it has been rumoured that that striker could be near the exit door, especially due to the fact that he has only managed a handful of appearances this season.  As a result, the upcoming game is the ideal chance for Nugent to show his worth, with the forward unlikely to reach the level of football he is at again if he is forced out to find more first team football.