Thank you to Freddie at @theuglyinside for taking part
1) How long have you been a Southampton fan for?
Since I was a little boy, living and growing up in and Southampton it became impossible to avoid the infectious atmosphere and buzz around the city as almost every one lived and breathed Saints.
2) How have you rated your season so far?
This season has been underwhelming, in terms of the Premier League it’s 5 points from 7 and below expectations. Once again we’ve been handed a “favourable” start but haven’t met expectations and we’re still falling in to the same bad habits; conceding games from winning positions unable to see off a lead and win the football match.
3) How have your new signings bedded in?
We made 5 new signings in the summer, three are seemingly are first team regulars with Danny Ings, Jannik Vestergaard and Mohamed Elyounoussi. Vestergaard, all 6ft7 of him and looked a little ropey at times and sometimes looks a little like Bambi on ice trying to adjust to the pace of the Premier League. Elyounoussi transferred from FC Basel and has been employed out wide and yet to light up the show. As for Danny Ings, fans have instantly warmed to him, has scored goals and hit the ground running and loving life playing for his home town club. As for the rest, Angus Gunn and Stuart Armstrong are currently peripheral figures in the first team. Angus Gunn will no doubt be employed as our Cup keeper and Stuart Armstrong only appearing in cameos so far.
4) Whose the man to watch for Southampton?
Without a doubt will be Danny Ings – if he starts, if Mark Hughes suggests cup rotation! He scored at Goodison a few weeks ago and will be raring to go once again. Mark Hughes has presented a 4-4-2 formation recently only the Liverpool away game without the system as Danny Ings was ineligible. Who his partner will be on Tuesday night will be anyones guess from Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini, Shane Long or even introducing Sam Gallagher.
5) What player hasn’t impressed so far and you don’t want to see play this week?
Wesley Hoedt has taken a lot of stick recently and looking like a character from Jiminy Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. Some of his ball control has been calamitous and with a comical own goal at Liverpool. A popular opinion suggests we should reinstate Maya Yoshida to the centre of defence and bring in some more experience.
6) How are you expecting this game to play out?
Another tight affair. I expected multiple changes from both sides but as for Saints, the players that would come in would not look out of place in the first team. We have a quantity of similar ability players without any star quality. Saints are also without a win at Goodison Park in 21 years and a win would most certainly break the curse but allow the team to build some momentum and kick on.
7) What are your opinions on Marco Silva?
Marco Silva was linked with the Saints job earlier this year and tries an expansive style of football. Though from my observations it seems he doesn’t have a plan B when it goes wrong.
8) What Everton player would you like to play for Southampton?
Gylfi Sigurdsson. On his day he can be a world beater and since Dusan Tadic left us we haven’t been creating enough chances and strikers have been severely starved. If he had Sigurdsson he would at least be the solution to some of our problems and create some goals.
9) What should Everton expect from Southampton in this match?
Everton may expect Southampton to approach with a degree of caution. In the previous round it took the introduction of Austin and Redmond after the hour to stretch the game and take the victory at Brighton. Obviously with a 21-year old winless stretching back to the 1997 history might suggest a home win. Saints need to change their mentality if they want to go for the win. Our heads drop when we concede a goal and see no way back.
10) Final score?
1-1 and penalties. I’m expecting a tight game but neither side have much to lose and a win would be a bonus.
