Unavailable:
Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Long, Rodriguez, Mané
Aston Villa – Clark, Gardner, Okore
This match was predicted to be Tim Sherwood’s
last game in charge of Aston Villa by some fans on the South Coast, considering
the club seems to have a knack of putting the final nail in the coffin of
struggling managers – Glenn Hoddle is a particularly memorable example. Yet on
Sunday, the Villa hierarchy decreed that the former Spurs boss was to depart
the club there and then. It is therefore caretaker Kevin MacDonald who will be
warming the seat for a permanent manager on Wednesday night, leaving the Villa
players with a sense of freedom in a competition that they are not expected to
thrive in. It is possible that leading candidate Rémi Garde will be watching
the contest – either at St Mary’s or remotely, therefore they will be keen to
demonstrate their abilities.
Pundits have claimed in recent days that the
principal reason for the sacking of Sherwood is an influx of players with a
lack of Premier League experience, yet the new additions are talented – they just
need time to bed in under the new manager. For example, Idrissa Gueye is a proven
performer in Ligue 1, as his defensive play in the midfield allowed the
offensive players in front of him to create chances at Lille; he was supposedly
a target for Saints before they opted to sign Jordy Clasie. He will have an
opportunity to prove himself against Southampton’s prolific attack, but it will
be even more of a challenge if he is partnered with Leandro Bacuna – the Dutchman
is at home on the right wing; not protecting the back four as he was in Villa’s
last encounter against Swansea. In terms of striking options, the West Midlands
club opted to add Rudy Gestede to their ranks. The targetman has already made a
handful of appearances in the top flight with Cardiff, however he is a
different player after forming an excellent understanding with Jordan Rhodes at
Blackburn, and was probably Sherwood’s most successful recruit. The Frenchman
is a menace in the air who will trouble José Fonte and Virgil van Dijk in the
air given the right service. His ability to hold the ball up and bring others
into play is also noteworthy, and Ronald Koeman will be wary of the threat that
he poses.
The Saints manager will be keen to proceed to
the quarter-final, no doubt feeling that he has unfinished business in the
competition after bowing out to League One Sheffield United last season.
Southampton may find that inconsistency will prove to be their downfall this
season, as they once again have to struggle against the adversity that the loss
of crucial players brings, therefore a cup run would be a welcome tonic. It
also provides a chance for fringe players to come into the team. With Shane
Long, Jay Rodriguez and Sadio Mané all missing, enter Gastón Ramírez and
Juanmi. The mercurial Uruguayan is rumoured to be earning colossal wages
without contributing all too much, although he did go out on loan to Hull last
campaign. Now in the final year of his contract, this match gives him the
chance to show his worth in the No 10 slot. When he has performed well for
Saints on an occasional basis, it has been in this role, with attractive link
up play. Juanmi has had limited game time himself despite being an ever present
on the bench. His pace could open up a Villa side low on confidence.
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