McCarthy Set to Make Changes
Friday, 2nd Jan 2015 12:17

Boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed he will make changes to his regular XI for Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Southampton.

The Blues manager says he’ll give some of his fringe players a chance against the Premier League Saints, who he watched defeat Arsenal 2-0 yesterday.

“Don’t be surprised if there are a few changes to the side, we need to freshen things up,” he told the club site.

“We have got players who are trying to get in the side and they need game time.

"We need to get minutes on the pitch into their legs. Whoever plays though, we are going down there to win the game.”

Town will be taking 5,500 fans to St Mary’s - the largest ever away following at Southampton's current home - with the game a complete sell-out.

Photo: Action Images

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walberswicks added 12:27 - Jan 2 Why don't we just pull out of the competition if we never give it a go?
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CavendishBlue added 12:31 - Jan 2 Marriott?
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baldman added 12:31 - Jan 2 Gonna make a weekend of this can't wait 5500 great support unlike that little club up the road with just a 1000 Mick I have no problem with all them changes think with all them changes we still go with a strong team how great is it to say that again
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yarmoblue added 12:34 - Jan 2 walberswicks read it you div!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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BlueSince93 added 12:36 - Jan 2

The fringe players are contributing so much to our promotion push with their attitudes, pushing and supporting those who are holding down starting spots at the moment and being ready when needed deserve this chance for a competitive game. Imagine losing 3 key players to injury and our season unfolding or players burning out a game or two short. Think this is the right decision personally.

whitey added 12:41 - Jan 2 I think we'll still play a pretty strong side but just rest a few. I expect Berra, Smith, Chambers, Murphy and Didzy to all start. Gerken will get a game, Mings will come back in, and we'll probably see Hyam, Bru and one other in midfield. I reckon Ambrose and Sammon will also feature at some point.
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kozmik added 12:41 - Jan 2 Gerken Parr Chambo Smith Clarke Ambrose Bru Hyam S Hunt Sammon Bajner Subs Crowe Mings N Hunt Bishop Murphy Didz Benyu
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10dackj added 12:47 - Jan 2 Gerken Parr, chambo, Berra, mings Anderson, ambrose, Hyam , Stewart Bajner, sammon A shame hunt has left (I expect he comes back on a free) as he would have played the full 90 I think
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10dackj added 12:47 - Jan 2 Follow me on Instagram @ItfcSupporters
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Michael11 added 12:56 - Jan 2

Common sense has to take place on Sunday. I'd much prefer to have Murphy, McGoldrick, Berra etc fully fit for Derby than risk injury for a cup game. Our squad is too small to do both in my opinion. It'll be a great day with 5,500 Town fans but it's certainly not worth risking injuries for. It'll be a good opportunity for players like Stewart, Henshall, Clarke to show they can step in if a chance comes.

muccletonjoe added 12:57 - Jan 2 would have thought hyam is pencilled in for this one , but very much doubt Marriott will play any part
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B1TFC added 13:05 - Jan 2 I don't think bajner and Sammon should play at all, there's fringe players, then there are these two!! Not exactly pushing for a first team place are they I'll be there Sunday and I'd like us to give it a good go, but if we go out i am not in the least bothered! Bigger fish to fry, Southampton can be put on the back burner until next season :)
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trulyblue added 13:08 - Jan 2 Let's hope that there is the same enthusiasm for the Millwall and subsequent away games.
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WirralBlue added 13:11 - Jan 2 Mick is not interested in any of the Cups. We have never won a cup tie with Mick in charge. I'm not saying it's right or wrong and I'm delighted with the job he is doing, but I'd love a good cup run.
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ITFCGloryDays added 13:13 - Jan 2 Agree with B1TFC Sammon and Bajner SHOULD NOT play together, as choice of front 2. Of players being given game time Mings, Ambrose and Hyam will play I reckon, with perhaps Matt Clarke as well. With also Stewart and Henshall on the bench.
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big_gaz67 added 13:19 - Jan 2 Yarmoblue - no point getting crabby at Walberswick!
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Sorry added 13:29 - Jan 2 We're going to have to get something out of our reserve strikers/wingers - Bajner, Sammon, Henshall, Stewart - at some point because I don't fancy our chances of Dids & Murph staying fit for 50 odd games a piece.
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Tractamatt added 13:33 - Jan 2 Not bothered about the result more the performance doubt Southampton will field a full strength 11 as they have league concerns themselves. So as long as we don't get hammered I'll be happy. Bring on Derby COYB
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BristolTractor added 13:45 - Jan 2 Gerken starts: https://www.facebook.com/officialitfc?fref=nf
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thebeat added 14:09 - Jan 2 No problem with Mick making 7 or 8 changes. Come on this is the closest we've been to promotion for a long time. We need our best players fit for the Derby game which is way bigger than this. Dont forget Southampton have just played 3 games in 7 days, id be gobsmacked if Koeman doesnt change the whole team so we are still in with a shout.
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BlueNomad added 14:18 - Jan 2 I understand the reasoning for making changes but we should still be going for the win! Of course it is more important that everyone is fit for Derby but anyone could get injured in training next week. I would imagine Murph wants to keep his form going and Didz will be desperate for a goal against the club who let him go.
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TimmyH added 14:22 - Jan 2

One of the few times I don't want Mick picking our strongest 11 - glad he's making some changes. Derby game is far bigger for us than the FA Cup, any other time I'd want us to have a real go but surely the attitude has to be don't pick up any injuries.
If I was one of the 5,500 going I'd really not sure what to expect from ourselves, but if we were to field almost our second string 11 and gave a good account then surely that's all you can expect. Our second string verses Saints second string?