After knocking out Man City on Wednesday night, Southampton were drawn to face Newcastle in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The first leg will take place at St Mary’s (w/c 23rd January) and the second at St James’ (w/c 30th January), giving Eddie Howe’s Mags a huge chance of reaching Wembley; where we’d face Man Utd or Nottingham Forest should we beat the Saints over two legs.
Reacting to the draw, here’s what Southampton fans had to say on on fan forum SaintsWeb:
“Toughest draw we could’ve got, again.”
“There is no sugar coating it, it’s a ***** of a draw. Newcastle are probably the best team left in it and playing the away leg last is going to be hard. The only positive I can see is that Howe usually blows off the cups, but with Newcastle having not won anything for about a million years there is little chance he will not take this seriously.”
“Well, if we can beat Citeh we have a chance v Saudi Arabia.”
“Meh. Manchester United probably the worst one to draw so we got second best. Very difficult though.”
“Well if we put two more performances in like tonight against Newcastle then we’re in the final. Not much to ask is it?”
“Annoying it’s the home leg first but they’re already booking trains for the final so would be more than amusing to do them.”
“Two legs, anything can happen. We’ve just beaten Man City and restricted them to no shots on target, if I’m honest based on that you can’t fear anyone else in the draw. None of the other teams have the quality of City, no where near, so let’s see what happens.”
“Predictable that Newcastle and Utd would be kept apart. Think Newcastle is probably the worst draw.”
“Newcastle have got to travel down here. We have that first leg to turn them over and get our foot in the door. Take a lead back to SJP and we’ve got a good chance.”
“We’ve just out played Man City, why are we worried about drawing Newcastle!? Let’s ******* relish it!!”
“Newcastle away in the second leg. That’s the worst outcome possible in my opinion…”
“I’d honestly rather have had United over Newcastle, Eddie Howe with a chip on his shoulder and an ambition to win something.”
“Newcastle are not in the FA Cup so literally play us back to back. No game in the middle and more time to prepare, as we play Blackpool. Not ideal, neither is the second leg being at SJP!”
Sky Sports have also shared a clip of Nathan Jones reacting to the draw, where it’s fair to say the Welshman didn’t look too happy to have drawn the Toon! Watch it below.
