The Magic of the Cup? Parker plans to freshen up side for Saints trip
Southampton preview, predicted line-up, Traff's award win and latest podcast episode
Hello and welcome to From The Bee Hole End!
We’ve got a break from league action this week as we travel to the south coast yet again, this time for an FA Cup clash with Southampton.
In today’s newsletter, we’ve got all the pre-match build-up from Scott Parker, predicted line-ups and, of course, the latest podcast episode featuring special guest Darren Bentley, the club’s former media manager.
So, let’s get to it…
Scott Parker spoke to the media ahead of the trip to Southampton and here’s what he had to say…
On the test Southampton pose and the opportunity for fringe players:
"First of all, it's going to be a big test for us. They came out of this league (Championship) last season and then added to an already quality squad.
"It's a big step-up for us and they're a very good side, but it's one we're looking forward to. It's also an opportunity for us to freshen things up, but we want to go there and give the best version of ourselves.
"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.
"There's nothing better than going on a cup run and like I've said, it's a big fixture for us and it gives opportunities to others to show what they can do and hopefully we can progress into the next round."
On the latest injury situation with captain Josh Brownhill and Luca Koleosho and the wider group:
“It's probably going to still be a bit too early. Both are progressing well, but it’s too early this weekend.
“Injury-wise, everyone else is just pushing on really.
“It's always the way you come back from injury. I think there's an element where players are “fit” because they're on the grass and they're training, but match fitness and the amount of work that maybe needs to go into them is probably still a little bit more.
“Saturday's game is a good opportunity for us to give those players some game time. After that, I will certainly get a real clear marker and a clear idea of where their fitness is.”
And on missing Mike Tresor:
“We probably won't see Mikey for a little while now.”
As Scott Parker alluded to in his press conference, tomorrow’s game gives plenty of opportunity to freshen up the team and give minutes to those on the fringes.
Below is how we’d suggest the boss lines up against the Saints…
Do you agree? Who would you have in your starting XI? Join in the debate on our socials - just search for BeeHolePodcast!
Trafford scoops Player of the Month after goal-dry January
Clarets keeper James Trafford has won the EFL Player of the Month after a January in which
The EFL panel highlighted not only the run of clean sheets but the two late penalty saves he pulled off against promotion rivals Sunderland as the reason for him winning the award.
And boss Scott Parker was chuffed for his number one: “This is well deserved. James has been incredible all season, not just this month. Since I arrived at this football team, he was been a top professional and a rock for the team.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman, who sits on the panel, said it was a perfect month for for Traff.
He said: On individual performance, it would be difficult to have a more perfect month than James Trafford.
“He didn’t concede a goal in any of Burnley’s six games in January, and he was the hero at Turf Moor against Sunderland, saving two late penalties to keep his team’s unbeaten run intact.
“Burnley’s defensive stability is going to be the key in their bid for promotion, and Trafford is central to that.”
This week the Pod Squad were joined by former BFC media man - and former Clarets reporter - Darren Bentley.
Daz helped the lads preview the Southampton game and gave a fascinating insight into transfer deadline day, the role of the press officer and much more.
Click below for the latest episode…