goodymatt

Agree that how we respond to the lack of game time is key. We’ve been able to get KWP fit, hopefully Fraser not far behind and Downes you’d like to think is being managed to be able to play the season out. On the other hand, our possession style is all about ‘feeling’ according to Martin, have we lost that during this break? Defensively we have been pretty poor since our undefeated streak ended so I’m going with the break being a good thing to work on and correct that glaring issue. It’s going to be an intense month or so, that’s for sure!

I would pick Bree to be fair but don’t think Martin will. Is Stephens an option like we did against WBA away? Martin seems adamant to put him in the team now so maybe that’s the best use of him.

Not long now until Saints finally play a game of football. We now have 10 games in 36 days, starting with Boro. Big game for us to hopefully kick start a decent run in. We need to give ourselves an outside chance of the top 2 by picking up maximum points. Momentum going in to the playoffs would also be important. Boro won’t be a pushover. KWP should be back having returned to training, hoping Fraser is close too. Play our best players in their best positions please Russ: Baz, KWP, THB, JB, Manning, Smallbone, Downes, Stu, Brooks, Che, Arma.

I think Arma slipped and hit he ball into his standing foot. Officials missed it and we got away with it.

Agree with this. Autos is going to need us to win 9 games, which seems very unlikely considering we have all the top 3 to play away and we are conceding 2 goals a game at the moment having lost 3 in 5.

Martin said in his pre Sunderland presser that playing this fixture next week was Southampton FC and Southampton Police’s preference. However it isn’t Preston’s preference due to them playing Plymouth away next weekend and the time available for them to prepare. April is going to be busy!

With staff returning to the building today, that gives encouragement that this game will be going ahead. Fingers crossed it is as we really do not need any further fixture congestion. Hoping KWP is back for this one, my team would be as follows: Baz, KWP, THB, JB, JS, Downes, Smallbone, Stu, Brooks, Che, Arma. 2-1 Saints, assuming it goes ahead!

Do we think that was a pen near the end of the half?

Downes has been close to coming back 3 games in a row but still doesn’t make the bench. Think Martin has just been trying to keep our opponents on their toes? When is he actually back?

Leicester win please

This is a huge game, feels like a ‘must win’. Ipswich will win at home to Rotherham, so will join Leeds on 69 points. We need to kick on and take second place back under control. This is a tough game against a talented footballing side. They have a few players that can hurt us but if we play well we should have enough to get the job done. I’m a little nervous despite the 11 home wins on the bounce.

Such a shame to lose our historic run in this manner. Games are coming thick and fast and we looked leggy tonight. When the intensity isn’t there the possession football becomes too passive. Without Downes, everything is out of sync. Charles had his worst game for us tonight. It was one of those games where our limited chances just sneak wide or hit the bar, meanwhile we get a toe on their pass and they are in for 1-0. IF one of those goes in, we may have just kicked on. Bristol countered us on numerous occasions and set up well to combat our style. Can’t complain that the best team didn’t win tonight but it’s certainly a worry that we’ve conceded 6 goals in 2 games and generally just look out of sorts. All about how we respond on Friday now, the 25 game run was an incredible achievement and we are unlikely to see that again. Players and management have credit in the bank for the last 5 months. Could really do with Downes being fit for Friday. I’ll be there at WBA cheering us back on track.

https://www.instagram.com/natgedra?igsh=ZWZ2dHR6NDN5NWoy

Downes an obvious miss, Charles doesn’t look ready on this showing. Looks cumbersome and nervous on the ball. Not tracking back with much effort either. There’s a player in there but I’m not seeing value for money paid right now. I expect we will over time but when you need to cover for Downes the drop off is too big and affects the way we control games.

James Bree has been back training for over a week and will play for the u21s against Arsenal on Friday. Martin says he will then return to the squad if he gets through that with no issues. Good to have him back, especially as Manning is a couple of bookings away from a 2 game suspension and we could do with his superior defensive qualities for some games.

Here’s hoping!

That’s a huge relief, I wonder if there’s a chance he can be back for Friday? Said he was similar to Che but that Che in particular would be assessed ahead of tomorrow and definitely back for Friday.

Otherwise they’ll be a few saints fans that flip, hopefully we won’t be as bitter as the lemons! I’ll get my coat…

I thought this too!

Are we expecting a presser today? Hoping we get some positive news on Downes as his injury is a huge concern going into these tough away fixtures and beyond.

Good news that Kamaldeen is back in the squad, just Bree left to return from injury now (of those expected to feature this season). Aribo will be involved in the AFCON final this Sunday and then hopefully he’s celebrating winning the tournament before being back and in contention for the WBA squad (assuming Bristol is too soon). So could be up to full strength minus Stewart this time next week. It’s encouraging that Mara seems to be finding his feet and the absent players are returning as we approach a difficult run of relentless fixtures, gives us the best chance of keeping this momentum going. I expect us to dominate the game tomorrow and win comfortably but Huddersfield had plenty of players missing last time and had a few big chances in the second half before scoring from a fluke cross, however we do seem to have improved on the drop offs of late unless the game is truly won.

Funnily enough he’s not made their match day squad since we last played them.

Straight back to the league and looking for 25 games undefeated. Huddersfield won their last game 4-0 with all 4 goals coming in a crazy 12 minute spell. We should have too much for Huddersfield, 3-0 is my prediction. It’s great being a Saints fan right now, really enjoying this run, our style and the promotion race. Keep it going Saints!

Watford have also made 7 changes

Wasn’t the rumour that we were switching to Puma? Man City Lite FC