MilwaukeeSaint

I actually think we've shown more promise in our opening few matches of this season than we did during that terrible spell in September last year. We were the better side against Newcastle even before they went down to 10 men and played quite well during stretches in the Brentford match. Yes the giveaways leading to easy goals are very frustrating but Russ has even admitted he gave some players the chance to keep their spot after great seasons last year but now he will re-think our starting XI. Give the new signings a chance to adapt into the starting XI and if it is mid-October and we are seeing the same results, then I will hit the panic button. The poor start isn't ideal whatsoever, but I think we are showing more promising signs than we did last season after our 4 defeats in a row.

Really hope the winger signing we are allegedly seeking doesn't end up being Fraser. More than fine with us getting him in, but would hope that would be alongside a more exciting signing as well.

On streaming service over here in America (Paramount+) so pretty sure you should be able to find something!

My cousin is a massive Arsenal fan and he told me that the general consensus amongst his mates is that Ramsdale is both the better shot-stopper and has a better short passing game when in comparison to Raya. He believes Raya's ability to ping long passes is what gets him in the XI over Ramsdale. Just one person's perspective but I was surprised he felt that way as I was too lead to believe that Ramsdale was a bit of a liability with the ball at his feet.

The added bonus of signing Bijlow (assuming it comes off) is still having a second PL loan spot to use then. I had assumed that the second loan would be used on a GK, but if we get that sorted with Bijlow I could very well see an attacker from a bigger PL club come in on loan in the final few days of the window.

Kick-off is at 8am here for me in central US, so 6am West Coast and 9am East Coast!

Adams and Tella weren’t playing up top together though. Long was playing with Adams and Tella was playing out wide.

That’s awesome that The Athletic has its own Southampton writer! I’m very familiar with you guys since it has been big over here in the United States for awhile! I will be over for the home match against Liverpool in two weeks time if you’d like to meet up and find out what life is like as a Saints fan in the USA!

Okereke highlights!

Alex Crook (I know) is saying that Birmingham won't sell him and the deal is dead.

Gaston with a goal and Gabbiadini with an assist for Sampordia today!

The Globe would be my recommendation. Went there for the Everton match and it was a good time.

People have mentioned Cardiff and Huddersfield a lot but I think Burnley might be in for a long season as well. Look dreadful.

Definitely some shaky moments late on but great all-around performance. Nothing beats that winning feeling! Will be in the UK for 3 months beginning next week so looking forward to being at St. Mary's and traveling away with all of you. Up the Saints!

I wouldn't say Austin is garbage, he just shouldn't play when we have 3 CBs as that formation doesn't offer enough support for him in matches where we are mostly defending like we were during his time on the pitch yesterday. His build-up play isn't good enough when playing with only 3 attacking-minded players. If we go 4-2-3-1 and have 4 players further forward he will do quite well as he can rely more on others to create the chances for him rather than having to be involved in the build-up. At the end of the day he will convert chances, but sometimes he prevents the team from creating as many chances as they would if we were to start Ings or Gabbi who work much better in the build-up play.

If we go 5 at the back(hopefully not): McCarthy Cedric Yoshida Vestegaard Hoedt Bertrand Lemina Romeu Redmond Ings Elyounoussi If we go 4 at the back: McCarthy Cedric Vestegaard Yoshida Bertrand Lemina Romeu Redmond Armstrong Elyounoussi Ings Think Yoshida's pace (compared to our other CBs) will be important against the likes of Walcott and Richarlison.

Regardless of what happened Saturday, I could not be more excited for this! I'm going to say 2-0 (Austin, Armstrong)!

Agreed. Bednarek for Yoshida if he isn't ready yet. One change I'd make is Lemina for Romeu if he is fit.

Any chance we see him start at RWB against Burnley? I'm assuming Cedric won't be 100% fit.

---------------------McCarthy-------------------- ----------Yoshida Vestergaard Hoedt-------------- Cedric--------Lemina-------Hojbjerg--------Bertrand ---------Elyounoussi---------Redmond----------------------- -----------------------Austin------------------------- Maybe Romeu for Hojbjerg or Bednarek for Hoedt, I can't make up my mind. Feel like Bertrand's ability would be wasted at CB as he is so good going forward.

Overall I agree, however I worry about being vulnerable on the counter due to his lack of pace.

Redmond centrally is very intriguing. Played well today and looks more comfortable there. Big season ahead potentially?

Redmond needs to be given a chance to prove himself again. Not too long ago he was in the England squad and he has the ability to get back in it. Yes, he had a terrible year last season but under Hughes I think he can kick on and find his form again. The fans need to get behind him as he is a player that plays much better with confidence.

So nothing shocking at all.

Alan Nixon reporting we have a surprise exit on the cards. Who do you think it is?