Ok Alan....Now pick the same starting line-up for all remaining games

[trousers]

Ok Alan....Now pick the same starting line-up for all remaining league and cup games.

 

Barring injuries and suspensions of course.

 

Yes?

[Channon's Sideburns]

+1000

 

NEVER change a winning team...

[alpine_saint]

Not exactly rocket science, is it ?

 

PICK YOUR BEST TEAM...ALWAYS

[St Landrew]

Unless they are completely knackered, in which case, make some changes.

[Minsk]

I would have Puncheon in ahead Antonio. Other than that, I agree.

[Suhari]

Pleased with the starting 11 tonight.

 

Our strongest side IMO. And with some decent subs to come on (Puncheon etc).

 

Wonder if he will stick with it?

[St Landrew]

I would have Puncheon in ahead Antonio. Other than that, I agree.

 

According to Dave Merrington, Antonio was, with Papa Waigo, our most effective player.

[trousers]

Unless they are completely knackered, in which case, make some changes.

 

They're professional atheletes, although I'm not suggesting we play the same 11 for 90 minutes three times a week....just that the STARTING line up is as consistent as possible

[Judge_B]

What does he do at the point where that team fails to win a game, and everyone jumps on the fact we keep playing the same old players? How does he appease the armchair manager at that point?

 

And how is Pulis going to make the starting XI if he keeps putting out the same side?

[trousers]

And how is Pulis going to make the starting XI if he keeps putting out the same side?

 

Another out loud chuckle for me.....poor lad!

[Avenue Saint]

good shout

[alpine_saint]

Unless they are completely knackered, in which case, make some changes.

 

Come on, FFS. They are supposed to be professional athletes.

[St Landrew]

They're professional atheletes, although I'm not suggesting we play the same 11 for 90 minutes three times a week....just that the STARTING line up is as consistent as possible

 

Of course. I think the odd swap here and there, where appropriate though, will bring benefits. However, I don't want to see wholesale changes when they are not needed .

 

But it has been said before that some key players do need the odd rest so that they can be at their very best. Let's face it, where would you put Barnard otherwise..? For me, he's Lambert's occasional stand-in or competition.

[Alain Perrin]

Not exactly rocket science, is it ?

 

PICK YOUR BEST TEAM...ALWAYS

 

It is a science though. Against one team that team might be effective, against others (say with pacey strikers) it may be less so. In addition, Jaidi and Connolly can't play 3 games a week.

 

Personally I am happy with minimal changes to:

 

a) retain the spine of the team (having Hammond back will help enormously)

b) nullify key threats in the opposition

c) rest and rotate older legs

 

Oh and cup ties don't help either....

 

Other than that, it's simple

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Ok Alan....Now pick the same starting line-up for all remaining league and cup games.

 

Barring injuries and suspensions of course.

 

Yes?

 

I hope not trousers - we were pretty awful again from 40 mins onwards. I would never start either Waigo or Antonio - they are both impact players.

 

Great we have got to Wembley but it was another unconvincing performance and we were tested by a very much depleted MK Dons.

[Genk]

Disagree.

 

Puncheon has got to play and use Antonio as an impact sub to inject pace.

 

Seaborne ahead of Jaidi. Jaidi looked dodgy tonight

 

Barnard, Papa, Lambert and Connolly (when fit) to be rotated up top.

[alpine_saint]

I hope not trousers - we were pretty awful again from 40 mins onwards. I would never start either Waigo or Antonio - they are both impact players.

 

Great we have got to Wembley but it was another unconvincing performance and we were tested by a very much depleted MK Dons.

 

Who have we got that is any better, Dunc ?

[toofarnorth]

Obviously connolly would start if fit but I dont know whats going on with him.

[S-Clarke]

I'd still put Puncheon in there, possibly for Antonio - who i agree, is an impact player.

 

Papa/Barnard battling for the ST position. Papa did ok tonight, used his pace well - but didn't ever look 100% like he was going to score.

[saintsforlife7]

 

Seaborne ahead of Jaidi. Jaidi looked dodgy tonight

 

.

 

 

Maybe because he hasn't played in two weeks?

 

I'd have Jaidi every day of the week just because he is so solid. Seabourne worries me and I've seen every performance he's made so far.

 

And 4-5-1 with Puncheon, 4-4-2 without

[Andy_Porter]

I'd still put Puncheon in there, possibly for Antonio - who i agree, is an impact player.

 

Papa/Barnard battling for the ST position. Papa did ok tonight, used his pace well - but didn't ever look 100% like he was going to score.

 

Barnard hasn't looked like scoring for us at all and he's had some easy chances.

 

Waigo gives us an extra edge we lack with a Barnard / Lambert partnership.

 

I thought he was our second best player behind Lallana. Worked his nuts off and looked dangerous all game.

[Rod Le Shearer]

Ok Alan....Now pick the same starting line-up for all remaining league and cup games.

 

Barring injuries and suspensions of course.

 

Yes?

 

completely agree. the side from today is almost the excact same side that went on that long winning streak before crhistmas,

 

Why Pardew changed it in the first place,only he knows ! leave Otsemobor,Mills and Seaborne far,FAR away from the team sheet,dreadful players IMO.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Who have we got that is any better, Dunc ?

 

Thats a good question.

 

On paper our players are good but something is not gelling.

 

A lot of our problems are in the head. We have no composure and no leadership.

 

Wayne Thomas was an absolute disgrace - he should have been sent off tonight. Having been booked 5 mins earlier he then chose to run across the pitch to assault a MK player who had just committed a foul. He was a lucky person to stay on the pitch. At that point there was only 2 goals in it and with us down to 10 men, it could have been awkward.

 

If ever this team needed a Jimmy Case/Alan Ball type figure it is now.

 

I do feel once we get this problem sorted we can build but at present we are shambolic under pressure.

 

Sorry to rain on a happy parade. It is marvellous that Southampton are going to have a day at Wembley but there remains an awful lot of work before we can be regarded as a solid outfit.

[revolution saint]

Maybe because he hasn't played in two weeks?

 

I'd have Jaidi every day of the week just because he is so solid. Seabourne worries me and I've seen every performance he's made so far.

 

And 4-5-1 with Puncheon, 4-4-2 without

 

I'd agree about Jaidi - Ken Monkou was the same and always had a dodgy game whenever he came back from a break.

[S-Clarke]

Thats a good question.

 

On paper our players are good but something is not gelling.

 

A lot of our problems are in the head. We have no composure and no leadership.

 

Wayne Thomas was an absolute disgrace - he should have been sent off tonight. Having been booked 5 mins earlier he then chose to run across the pitch to assault a MK player who had just committed a foul. He was a lucky person to stay on the pitch. At that point there was only 2 goals in it and with us down to 10 men, it could have been awkward.

 

If ever this team needed a Jimmy Case/Alan Ball type figure it is now.

 

I do feel once we get this problem sorted we can build but at present we are shambolic under pressure.

 

Sorry to rain on a happy parade. It is marvellous that Southampton are going to have a day at Wembley but there remains an awful lot of work before we can be regarded as a solid outfit.

 

agree tbh - it doesn't help us when Morgan goes missing in games, hammond does his best to lead...but you're right, we really need another ball playing/leading midfielder in there next to him. We've got the other players in the other positions to threaten anyone.....i think we're only 1..maybe 2 players off being a dominant team in this league.

[Weston Saint]

agree tbh - it doesn't help us when Morgan goes missing in games, hammond does his best to lead...but you're right, we really need another ball playing/leading midfielder in there next to him. We've got the other players in the other positions to threaten anyone.....i think we're only 1..maybe 2 players off being a dominant team in this league.

Agree with Duncan and you.

[oggiee]

Yes Yes Yes.....

[Stanley Saint]

Agree also. I think that's why Pardew brought Wotton on, but he's not exactly in the Case mould either...

[saint_stevo]

Antonio was poor. Did nothing to change my mind about him. Not a starter

[Deanovski]

papa was amazing tonight did the job lambert does of winning headers, but with more closing down and running.

[Roger]

Agree duncan with antonio but papa was great tonight. He orved with his 2 goals vs norwich he can start if its upfront. Also agree thomas was a disgrace tonight.

 

Our best team is

Davis

Murty Jaidi Fonte Harding

Punchon Morgan Hammond Lallana

Connolly Lambert

 

 

Subs; Bart, Thomas, antonio, Waigo, bernard, wotton

[beatlesaint]

Agree duncan with antonio but papa was great tonight. He orved with his 2 goals vs norwich he can start if its upfront. Also agree thomas was a disgrace tonight.

 

Our best team is

Davis

Murty Jaidi Fonte Harding

Punchon Morgan Hammond Lallana

Connolly Lambert

 

 

Subs; Bart, Thomas, antonio, Waigo, bernard, wotton

 

Couldnt disagree with that team one bit !

[northam soul]

I have been saying for weeks that that back four should play more regularly and god knows why it hasnt.

Yes Jaidi did look a bit dodgy at times yesterday but he hasnt played for 5 weeks i think.Thomas was lucky not to go but he is a far better right back than Ostemobor so why hasnt he been playing and Harding offers more than mills.

I do find it strange why lambert is now taking corners as i would of thought he would be more of a threat in the box.

[John B]

According to Dave Merrington, Antonio was, with Papa Waigo, our most effective player.

 

Papa I thought was quite good running and putting pressure on the defence.

 

 

Not sure about Antonio though but his long throws were boring and a waste of time after the 20th one why not do something different

[John B]

I have been saying for weeks that that back four should play more regularly and god knows why it hasnt.

Yes Jaidi did look a bit dodgy at times yesterday but he hasnt played for 5 weeks i think.Thomas was lucky not to go but he is a far better right back than Ostemobor so why hasnt he been playing and Harding offers more than mills.

I do find it strange why lambert is now taking corners as i would of thought he would be more of a threat in the box.

 

Thomas is not that good as a RB his ball control and distribution is poor he did virtually nothing in attack compared with Harding.

 

But as a defender he is OK

[West End Saint]

Jaidi Harding Hammond make such a difference thought Harding had a great game and Jaidi is a man mountain you have to go in a new post code to get round him stick with this team

[Saint Fan CaM]

Thomas is not that good as a RB his ball control and distribution is poor he did virtually nothing in attack compared with Harding.

 

But as a defender he is OK

 

 

Utter rubbish. I could cite many reasons why, but to start just check out who is next to Waigo in the OS photo of their own goal. Err, might that be Thomas by any chance? I think the posters on here who are slagging off 1/11th of a Saints team that put up a good fight to take us to a Wembley final need to grow some nuts. Thomas is hero for his stance against the dirty tactics some of their less than professional players displayed.

[nickfinks]

Agree duncan with antonio but papa was great tonight. He orved with his 2 goals vs norwich he can start if its upfront. Also agree thomas was a disgrace tonight.

 

Our best team is

Davis

Murty Jaidi Fonte Harding

Punchon Morgan Hammond Lallana

Connolly Lambert

 

 

Subs; Bart, Thomas, antonio, Waigo, bernard, wotton

 

 

Not a bad bench is it? have to say I agree with your selection though

[John B]

Utter rubbish. I could cite many reasons why, but to start just check out who is next to Waigo in the OS photo of their own goal. Err, might that be Thomas by any chance? I think the posters on here who are slagging off 1/11th of a Saints team that put up a good fight to take us to a Wembley final need to grow some nuts. Thomas is hero for his stance against the dirty tactics some of their less than professional players displayed.

 

Sorry dont agree he does not have the skills to be a very good RB.

 

He also gets booked too often because he cant control his temper.

 

He should play football and let the Ref control the match

 

Hero to you Pratt to me and others in the Chapel last night.

 

He could easily have been sent off last night making our defence weak for Saturday's game

[John B]

Not a bad bench is it? have to say I agree with your selection though

 

But Connolly and Murty are constantly injured which has probably cost us dear this year in the League.

 

Not Sure Fonte and Jaidi complement each other but as it was the first time they played together we will have to wait and see.

[Shroppie]

Ok Alan....Now pick the same starting line-up for all remaining league and cup games.

 

Barring injuries and suspensions of course.

 

Yes?

 

Agreed. Only possible changes would be Murty back when fit and maybe Puncheon for Antonio.

 

Possibly on a heavy pitch, a fit Connolly or Barnard might be more effective than Papa.

[fareham saint phil]

Was really glad to see Harding back last night

[Minty]

This thread just sums up why Managers will never please everybody, and there will always be a section who think he's making the wrong choices or decisions, both pre-match and during.

 

There are a lot of good points, for and against certain players, and it just shows that everyone looks for different skills and attributes in each player, and different contributions to the team as a whole.

 

It should serve as a reminder that no matter what we feel, there is no right or wrong answer. Obviously results are the be-all and end-all, but getting the right team, and making the right changes, in order to get those results, are not as easy or as obvious as some seem to make out.

[david in sweden]

+1000

NEVER change a winning team...

 

 

..but of course, this was a cup match and the team chosen from those players who were NOT cup-tied. Even in the final we can't play the new signings who played for other clubs in earlier rounds.

 

I wouldn't like to have to choose a perfect team -just now.

 

I look forward to seeing a fit MURTY and a fit CONNOLLY before the end of the season..what about team selections then ...?

[VectisSaint]

Ok Alan....Now pick the same starting line-up for all remaining league and cup games.

 

Barring injuries and suspensions of course.

 

Yes?

Now Alan, please don't heed this silly advice. We would be in a hell of a lot of trouble with the FA if play cup-tied players against Pompey, our 6th round opponents and Carlisle, all in the next 6 weeks or so. 4 players cup-tied last night (and for Carlisle) and 5 for Saturday and the 6th Round.

 

Also managers have to be able to make small changes to suit conditions/opponents. In general I agree with the principle of not chaging a winning side, but I would not pick the team that won last night for our next league game, because frankly we were very very poor

[View From The Top]

I hope not trousers - we were pretty awful again from 40 mins onwards. I would never start either Waigo or Antonio - they are both impact players.

 

Great we have got to Wembley but it was another unconvincing performance and we were tested by a very much depleted MK Dons.

 

I thought we spoiled the game on purpose 2nd half and we were never tested.

[John B]

Now Alan, please don't heed this silly advice. We would be in a hell of a lot of trouble with the FA if play cup-tied players against Pompey, our 6th round opponents and Carlisle, all in the next 6 weeks or so. 4 players cup-tied last night (and for Carlisle) and 5 for Saturday and the 6th Round.

 

Also managers have to be able to make small changes to suit conditions/opponents. In general I agree with the principle of not chaging a winning side, but I would not pick the team that won last night for our next league game, because frankly we were very very poor

 

Although we were not that good MK Dons were a lot worse so perhaps we are expecting too much.

 

Would not be surprised if Pardew went 4 5 1 again against Norwich

[eelpie]

I would have Puncheon in ahead Antonio. Other than that, I agree.

 

Nail on head.