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Southampton vs Huddersfield: Preview of Saints Cup Match this Weekend

By Ryan Borowski

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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After a busy festive period, Southampton now turn their attention to the FA Cup as they take on Huddersfield this Saturday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl and his squad have seemingly turned their Premier League season around in just a matter of week and now have to decide how seriously they would like to the FA Cup. If they believe they can easily see their way to safety now we may see a strong side played against Hudders. If not, we may see some youngsters getting a shot

Either way, after a heavy dose of fixtures I would have to believe the squad is in for some heavy rotation for this match.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Michael Obafemi of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Michael Obafemi of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Let us take a look at how each team could win this tie

How Southampton Will Win

This match will really depend on how many changes Ralph makes to the regular Starting XI. I am expecting nearly 11 changes simply due to the amount of matches they played in December. Huddersfield are a struggling side in the Championship and this match is perfect for player like Kevin Danso, Che Adams, and others to get some match time again.

Along with heavy rotation I could see a change in formation as well. With limited options at both full-back positions it is likely Ralph will go with 3 in the back.

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Despite all this, I think the Saints will still have enough talent on the pitch to win this match and see themselves through to the next round.

How Huddersfield Will Win

Huddersfield, will need some help from Southampton if they hope to win this match. If the Saints play some youngsters and inexperienced played, Huddersfield could definitely come in and win this match.

They are led by Karlan Ahearne-Grant who has 12 goals on the season and will look towards him to provide some threat against the Premier League side.

Huddersfield, are 5 points clear of the relegation zone as it currently stands so their focus may be on staying up and not necessarily making an FA Cup run.

Predicted Line-ups

Southampton: 3-5-2

Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn

Defenders: Jannik Vestergaard, Maya Yoshida, Kevin Danso

Midfielders: Moussa Djenpo, Callum Slattery, Oriol Romeu, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Jake Vokins

Forwards: Che Adams, Shane Long

Huddersfield: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Kamil Grabara

Defenders: Danny Simpson, Chris Schindler, Jon Gorenc-Stankovic, Jaden Brown

Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna, Trevoh Chalobah, Jonathan Hogg, Lewis O’Brien

Forwards: Karlen Grant, Steve Mounie

Predicted Score

Southampton 3-1 Huddersfield