Alan Pardew is buzzing at the prospect of his side taking on Leeds at a packed St Mary’s tomorrow – a match he says would easily grace the Championship.
The Saints boss is hugely enthusiastic about the game in prospect as two of the division’s best teams go head-to-head in front of more than 30,000 supporters.
Saints were narrow 1-0 losers at Elland Road before Christmas.
But Pardew brought in a raft of top quality players in January and now the squads are far more evenly matched.
All the ingredients are there for a cracking encounter.
Pardew said: “I’m really looking forward to this game.
“I am disappointed we are coming off the back of the Tranmere game, I really am, because we were irresistible in those last two home games.
“It will be interesting to see whether we can reach the heights against better opposition.
“I’m just excited about this team – I just like it.
“Puncheon, Barnard, Lallana, Lambert, Waigo really knocking on the door, Connolly coming back – there’s goals in it, it’s an exciting team."
Full story in today's Daily Echo * Carlisle striker woes - why Saints' Johnstone's Paint Trophy final opponets have problems ahead of the big Wembley clash - see today's Daily Echo.
