Ivan Juric has vowed to name his strongest side as Saints face Championship promotion chasers Burnley in FA Cup action.
Fresh off the back of their 2-1 away win against Ipswich last Saturday, Ivan Juric’s side will view this as a real opportunity to salvage something from a turgid season.
Juric sees this as an opportunity to progress in the competition and build on last weeks’ win at Ipswich.
”I want to win the match and in this moment, I think it’s for the best XI. Now, there is no problem because we play one game with a week.”
Ivan Juric speaking in his press conference
Saints have won eight of their past ten home FA Cup matches, with the past three all being by a three goal margin. But Saints will have to break down a Burnley side who haven’t conceded in nine league games.
After his first win as Saints boss at the weekend, Juric will be want to make it two and see Saints progress into the Fifth round for a fifth successive season.
Visitors Burnley travel to the south coast having only lost two of their last eleven against Southampton but success is not guaranteed with The Clarets being eliminated in nine of their last eleven FA Cup ties against top flight opponents.
Scott Parker’s side are on course to become one of the best defensive sides in recent English Football after they kept their 22nd Championship clean sheet of the campaign on Tuesday.
Burnley come into the Fourth round following an extra time 3-1 win against League One side Reading thanks to goals from Lyle Foster and a Zian Flemming Double.
Saints defensive duo Taylor-Harwood Bellis and Captain Jack Stephens are ruled out of the clash with injures sustained in the 2-1 win at Ipswich.
Juric confirmed Saints have no other injury issues apart from long term absentees Ross Stewart and Juan Larios who remain out.
Nathan Wood and Tyler Dibling are back and available for selection, while Paul Onuachu is set to start with Adam Armstrong completing a deadline day loan move to West Brom.
Scott Parker admitted the break from Championship action was an ”opportunity for us to freshen things up” and ”give players minutes that haven’t played as much” this season.
“There’s a chance to give players minutes that haven’t played as much as others and for the new lads to be integrated into the side. It will be useful for them to get a feel for it and what we expect.”
Scott Parker Speaking to Burnley FC Media
New January signing Marcus Edwards is in line to make his debut, with Vaclav Hladky, Oliver Sonne, Joe Worrall and Ashley Barnes pushing for a recall after starting the win against Reading.
The Clarets will be without Mike Trevsor, Aaron Ramsey, Jordan Beyer, Enock Agyei due to injures.
Nathan Redmond will also not be fit to face his former club.
