Southampton fans react to FA Cup third round draw

Plenty of Southampton fans have been reacting to the Saints being drawn to face League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town at home in the FA Cup third round as they aim for a potential cup run.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side would have been hoping for a favourable draw as they look to make it further in the FA Cup this season than they managed last term, when they exited the competition in the fourth round against Tottenham.

The draw against Shrewsbury will likely provide Hasenhuttl with the chance to make changes to his starting line-up and afford more game-time to those who have been on the fringes of his squad so far this season. That could see someone like Mohammed Salisu handed a much-awaited chance to impress, as he is still awaiting his Southampton debut following his £10.9m move from Real Valladolid in the summer.

It could also provide the chance for some of the Saints’ younger players to make a mark at first team level. Southampton have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign and they are looking well placed for a top-half finish, which means the FA Cup this year represents a chance for them to have a real go at one of the cup competitions.

Southampton fans react to Shrewsbury FA Cup draw

Some Southampton fans were keen to stress that the Saints could end up on the end of a ‘giant-killing’ while others were more enthusiastic about the draw, believing it represents a chance for them to have a decent cup run. A few supporters were also keen to point it should be a chance for the likes of Salisu to finally get some minutes in the team.

Be very Saints to lose that https://t.co/YFfcrmoscz

— Mike Elkins (@MikeElkins86) November 30, 2020

A home tie against lower league opposition, what could possibly go wrong #SaintsFC #EmiratesFACup 🏆 https://t.co/zmICpT6KEH

— Ian Meatcher (@1989Ian) November 30, 2020

Comfortable home tie on paper but we'll make it difficult somehow I imagine! Bring on the Shrews at St Mary's! #WeMarchOn #SaintsFC

— Hayden (@HaydenSFC) November 30, 2020

https://twitter.com/BigBishop2020/status/1333491202235248642?s=19

good draw. chance to see a few youngsters in the first team, and rest a few first teamers after the busy xmas period. Shrews struggling. #facupdraw #saintsfc

— Joe (@floppy_donkeys) November 30, 2020