Saint Fan CaM

I reckon he’s going to get a three month ban from EFL games. There’s something bent going on in all of this and behind the scenes there are Boro finger prints - the entire narrative is against the club and Parsons latest comments just show there is no competency at the club to counter the shitshow even now.

I’ve got contrasting feelings about his one - yes we’re a better team on paper, but I don’t think we’ve displayed enough so far to suggest we’re anything more than a good mid-table team. The derby always has and always will throw up non-standard results…it’s their cup final…arguably ours too for many supporters. We’ve got the impending Tonda punishment to overcome and I think there’s a good chance the FA will throw the book at him just because they can - 3 months ban. This will do nothing to spur on our team to perform any better or somehow raise their game. Inexplicably Cap’n Jack will start because he hates the skates, so that’s us down to 10 men. Manning will continue to position himself in no-man’s land and so allow almost every cross into the box, thus playing into Pompey gameplan. Edozie will come on at 70 minutes and demonstrate his ball skills but never get his head up to deliver a decent ball into the box or take a decent shot in target. Then there’s the risks of international duty and our players getting injured - especially Larin. Score? Almost impossible to say with all the variables, but I reckon 1-1 or even a disaster 1-2. If everything goes our way then 4-1 is not out of the question.

Some teams focus generally on cheaper, less skilled players that have heightened levels of stamina. Some teams focus on more expensive, ball playing individuals that cost more but are not gifted with high stamina/fitness. Coaching skills differ for each team type, with high data lead systems featuring for the latter teams. As holistic team stamina can be found wanting in the latter style teams, high levels of possession are generally required to manage the team across 90+ minutes. No prizes for guessing what type of team Saints are?

The trouble is, it’s not just about Mubama - it’s about the players around him and their suitability to his style of play. That could also mean of course that he gets fewer chances when lesser players like Edozie come on too. You have to question whether Mubama has been brought in to adapt to our system or is Eckhert and his system too inflexible to adapt to Mubama? And that in turn doesn’t even address the fact that Mubama himself is a developing player - he’s probably 3-5 years from gaining his best form so expectations from many are just too high right now.

As others have said, we got little protection from the Ref when it mattered today. Edozie offers little to nothing…just useless. Manning had his usual rubbish game - both defensively with poor closing down and also going forwards not delivering balls into their pen area without hitting the first man. Our CB’s have at least one terrible error waiting to happen. Worst of all though - we don’t look fit across the team…stamina at a real low. Wrexham looked like thoroughbreds while we looked like NF ponies by comparison. We are looking like a decent mid-table team right now, that might get a shot at a play-off place if lucky.

I’m not sure the Wrexham faithful will want to see their home team withdraw into itself and play defensively - think they’ll be baying for blood if that happens…they’ve got an entitled view that comes with the Hollywood money mindset. There will be plenty of route one footie though, but I’m certain our primary CB pairing of Wood and Schlotterbeck will cope reasonably well. As usual I dare say I’ll be fretting over the wank defending of Manning, who will inevitably allow long balls to bounce before attempting a clearance and also allow his oppo winger to cross balls into the box, thus playing into the hands of Wrexham. If Tonda gets it right… 1-3 Saints.

** Just came here to say I don’t like international breaks. At least not when we’re starting a nice little vein of form. Glad that’s off my chest. ** 😵‍💫

Yes too much space given, but ultimately 4-1 is not too shabby.

Defence better without Stephens that’s for sure. I’m still of the opinion that Welington would be a better starter than Manning. Funny that some thought we had a poor game, but I thought we controlled the game pretty well and they got lucky with their goal.

Jeez their no45 forward is brick shithouse!

Boom boom!!! Azaz beaut and very unselfish from Mubama

Not sure if I’ve mentioned it before but Manning is a fucking useless defender.

Lovely Matsuki goal!

Bit early for Larin to come off maybe.

Why the fuck is Manning allowed to stand in no man’s land while midfielders cover his position? It’s mental!