alpine_saint Posted 20 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Well, no. If you look at the top 8, we've played the same number of games as Brighton; one less than Charlton; and two less than Huddersfield and Peterborough. We've played three less than Bournemouth and Oldham; and four less than MK Dons. So that's not "3 or 4 games less than most of our promotion competitors". It's three out of seven teams - so that's some , not most of our competitors. Just to be exact about this! You mean pedantic. As demonstrated by the comparison to Brighton, when everyone knows this all about 2nd place now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 20 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Because it's not about agreement. If you state the obvious on every subject, such as 'they aren't going to make it easy for us', of course people agree. It's so obvious no-one else comments on it. But he does it so much it gets annoying, people have a go, then he for some reason takes it as disagreement with the original point, which of course it isn't. Furthermore, he creates scenarios with no justification, such as what if team X tries to injure player Y? It's not even worth discussing if we're getting to that level of IFs. No evidence, no logic just worryingly deep-rooted paranoia. Fixture pile up isn't our fault, we just get on with it as best we can. Come may, there's no chance dear alpine will be blaming fixture pile up if we don't get promoted. Do you honestly think he'll say 'we did all we could, it's not the players or managers fault, it was fixture pile up'? No. If we don't go up then we've hugely under performed. Again, stating the obvious but that's what these threads breed. I fear as usual this will still be taken as some disagreement with the original non-point being made, then should we slip up alpine can parade with his I was right banner. Something to look forward to I guess. You really have issues to deal with. Espeically as you regard the orignal post as a "non-point" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 think it should help rather than hinder if we are going to be performing as we have been Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 20 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 20 February, 2011 think it should help rather than hinder if we are going to be performing as we have been You and some others on here really dont get it, do you ? If a couple of our players pick up knocks that would normally mean they are out for 2 or 3 games, it could mean them missing 4 or 5 if the knock comes at the right time. And with us playing so many of our competitors still, what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? I would rather have some (not all, thats unrealistic) of the points than the games in hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? Because unless we are playing Bournemouth or Huddersfield our opponents won't give a sh!te who is available for the next game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windmill Arm 2 Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 We've played 3 or 4 games less than most of our promotion competitors. And we still have to play most of them as well. Taking someone like Lallana out for a 3 or 4 week stretch could pay huge dividends for one of our promotion competitors. We need to be careful here. The next two months are going to be like a minefield...No I'm not worried, you hysterical tart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 I'm hardly worried about it at all. We may pick up injuries, but so will the teams we're playing and they have smaller squads. We comfortably have enough in the tank to get 2nd and if we beat Brighton away, we'll probably win the league. Brighton have the same fixture pile-up as us, I think, and a thinenr playing staff to deal with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 You and some others on here really dont get it, do you ? If a couple of our players pick up knocks that would normally mean they are out for 2 or 3 games, it could mean them missing 4 or 5 if the knock comes at the right time. And with us playing so many of our competitors still, what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? I would rather have some (not all, thats unrealistic) of the points than the games in hand. And if they don't pick up knocks, but instead if those 2 or 3 players hit major form then they are in form for 4 or 5 games rather than 2 or 3. Right? Do you get it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windmill Arm 2 Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 I would rather be in our position that Bournemouth's, Charlton's or Huddersfield's. It's in our hands.My thoughts exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 only quoting myself to save retyping. games in hand are looking better as other teams drop points we seem to play very very well in midweek we seem to play better on Saturday when play in midweek we have strongest squad in division Lallana, Schneiderlin are only just back and hopefully will be fitter and in better form when play re-arranged games You and some others on here really dont get it, do you ? If a couple of our players pick up knocks that would normally mean they are out for 2 or 3 games, it could mean them missing 4 or 5 if the knock comes at the right time. And with us playing so many of our competitors still, what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? I would rather have some (not all, thats unrealistic) of the points than the games in hand. Ifs and coulds. Teams that are winning like games. We are excellent in midweek. It may well work in our favour. I do get it, just don't agree with you that we have missed out on 2nd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 My thoughts exactly. Split on whether I would want to be in their position. Huddersfield no (3 pts, inferior goal difference and 2 games in hand is definitely overcomeable), but I think I might rather be in Bournemuff's position. I make our games in hand to be: Rochdale (a) draw would be a decent result unless their form drops away Walsall (a) good chance of winning there Charlton (a) an outside chance of a win, but a draw might not be a bad result Not going to be easy, but I suppose the argument has to be that if we're going up then we have to bloody well earn it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 You and some others on here really dont get it, do you ? If a couple of our players pick up knocks that would normally mean they are out for 2 or 3 games, it could mean them missing 4 or 5 if the knock comes at the right time. And with us playing so many of our competitors still, what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? I would rather have some (not all, thats unrealistic) of the points than the games in hand. I think you are suggesting that some of our opponents might deliberately set out to injure our players to ruin our promotion chances, of course there is nothing to stop us or any other team doing that to the other promotion rivals either is there? One look at the fixture lists show that each of our promtion rivals have got at least 4 games against other promotion contenders .Hopefully you'll be right and every team in the top 8 will set out to injure all of their opponents key players then by the end of the season when they are suffering from injuries and suspensions our bigger squad with all the cover players you demanded will come into its own and we will walk away with the league title. Happy days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windmill Arm 2 Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 You and some others on here really dont get it, do you ? If a couple of our players pick up knocks that would normally mean they are out for 2 or 3 games, it could mean them missing 4 or 5 if the knock comes at the right time. And with us playing so many of our competitors still, what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? I would rather have some (not all, thats unrealistic) of the points than the games in hand.We all get it you tiresome gimp, its just that its not something any of us can do anything about, so we're not getting our knickers in a twist. But feel free to wring your hands and rock backwards and forwards over it you internet weirdo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 We all get it you tiresome gimp, its just that its not something any of us can do anything about, so we're not getting our knickers in a twist. But feel free to wring your hands and rock backwards and forwards over it you internet weirdo. You and some others on here really dont get it, do you ? If a couple of our players pick up knocks that would normally mean they are out for 2 or 3 games, it could mean them missing 4 or 5 if the knock comes at the right time. And with us playing so many of our competitors still, what is stopping them going into challenges harder than normal in the hope of gaining advantage from injuries ? I would rather have some (not all, thats unrealistic) of the points than the games in hand. Interesting to note this little comment, surely have players injured and missing twice as many games would mean they came at the wrong time, if you want Saints to do well that is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK the 2nd Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 I understand Alpine's point but I don't think others think as cynically as this. Yes, we may pick up knocks due to playing so often but I really don't believe teams will look to deliberately injure our players just because we have games in hand on them. It’s really about the cover we have and how well equipped we are. The FA Cup matches against MU and Blackpool gave me confidence we have real strength in depth at the back. It’s the options up front and the creative options in midfield I am more worried about. Overall though, I think we are in reasonable shape and it should be an exciting run in but I think we will we do it (i.e. 1st or 2nd). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWD Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Davis Butterfield - Fonte - Jaidi - Harding Oxo - Chaplow - Schniederlin - Lallana Guly - Lambert Bart Richardson - Seaborne - Martin - Dickson N'Guessen - Hammond - Gobern - Forte Barnard - Connolly THIS is the reason why I'm not worried. In fact, I'm a little bit excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Davis Butterfield - Fonte - Jaidi - Harding Oxo - Chaplow - Schniederlin - Lallana Guly - Lambert Bart Richardson - Seaborne - Martin - Dickson N'Guessen - Hammond - Gobern - Forte Barnard - Connolly THIS is the reason why I'm not worried. In fact, I'm a little bit excited! Haven't you heard? Davis, N'gessen, Forte, Gobern, Seaborne, Gully Hammond are all sh*t, Barnard is going to prison for life, Jaidi is over the hill and a liability and Connolly is a broken down horse. WHen Lallana, Chamberlain, Lambert, FOnte and Schniderlin get deliberately crocked we are going to be f*cked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 We've played 3 or 4 games less than most of our promotion competitors. And we still have to play most of them as well. Taking someone like Lallana out for a 3 or 4 week stretch could pay huge dividends for one of our promotion competitors. We need to be careful here. The next two months are going to be like a minefield... I'm not worried Alpine. Let's face it, yesterdays postponment was a God send. If the game had been played it would have been on a mudheap and who-knows-what could have happened. Whilst other clubs are chalking up lots of games our lads surely benefit from the rest and the fact that we have a good squad means we have more players to choose from, and better cover for injuries. If we play these games on good, dry pitches it should suit our passing game better than trying to work things on a wet pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 At times like this I would prefer that postponed Saturday matches were postponed to the following day on the Sunday (as waterlogged pitches could well dry out by then - I bet Rochdale's pitch is playable today). Terrible inconvenience for us traveling fans who would have to chance staying somewhere overnight, but we really can't afford more than four more postponements, as we would then have to play TWO midweek games as well as the weekend before the end of season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian the Red Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 We have had our injury spell: Hammond, Lallana, Spiderman, Ricky. Barnard have all had time out already through injury. We have the biggest squad in the league and will cope with the huge number of games to be played.... Playing football twice a week and getting paid for it..... hmmm let me think of something else better to do........ They are paid sportsmen; we have physios, doctors, coaches, dietitians, christ knows what behind the sences and here we are debating whether having to play 3 more games than the rest of the teams is going to be problem???? 3 more games, thats 270 minutes more football, 3 games more than the rest around us!! Weather will be getting better, drier, thus the pitches will play better and suit our style of passing the ball better. Personally I do not think it will be a problem!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWD Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Haven't you heard? Davis, N'gessen, Forte, Gobern, Seaborne, Gully Hammond are all sh*t, Barnard is going to prison for life, Jaidi is over the hill and a liability and Connolly is a broken down horse. WHen Lallana, Chamberlain, Lambert, FOnte and Schniderlin get deliberately crocked we are going to be f*cked. Oh yeah, you're right, we're doomed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersubpuckett Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 No I'm not worried, you hysterical tart. My thoughts exactly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian lord Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 rather have the points on the board rather than games in hand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 rather have the points on the board rather than games in hand Yes, but it's not like we had the choice is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 My concern is that most (if not all?) of the games in hand are away from home. That said maybe that'll work to our advantage as we do seem to play better away from home in fixtures with fewer of our fans there. Less pressure on the players perhaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Shearer Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 You mean pedantic. As demonstrated by the comparison to Brighton, when everyone knows this all about 2nd place now. Does it now? I still have hope for top spot. Please don't assume you speak for everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Yes, but it's not like we had the choice is it? I doubt he thought of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 Whilst Alpine has decided that no-one will be catching Brighton, and that Saints' run-in will be adversely affected by having to play more games than other sides, he doesn't seem to think it'll have the same effect on Brighton, who have played the same number of games as Saints. Fancy. In fact, due to the snow and frost in December, and in Brighton's case a run to the FA Cup 5th Round, EVERYONE has a fixture pile-up. Our squad (2 players for nearly every position, see above) leaves us better placed to challenge than anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamilton Saint Posted 20 February, 2011 Share Posted 20 February, 2011 You mean pedantic. As demonstrated by the comparison to Brighton, when everyone knows this all about 2nd place now. Everyone knows? Who is this "everyone"? Anything can happen; there are loads of games to go. Brighton could go into a major slump - it has happened before! In this particular discussion, I would call myself precise, not pedantic (although there's nothing wrong with being pedantic, eh!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 21 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 21 February, 2011 When I said "everyone knows this is about 2nd place now" obviously I was referring to non-Walter Mitty characters not living in a delusional world of make-beleive. I especially like this one : Whilst Alpine has decided that no-one will be catching Brighton, and that Saints' run-in will be adversely affected by having to play more games than other sides, he doesn't seem to think it'll have the same effect on Brighton, who have played the same number of games as Saints. Fancy. So let's assume that Brighton are affected by fixture pile-up as badly as us (I dont agree with this, they are in the driving seat and will be more relaxed, but sod it, lets assume it). Has anyone else notice they have 8 more points than us ??? Really, some of the responses are utterly non-sensical on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK the 2nd Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 To provide some balance, it is worth reflecting on the latest odds to win the league. 4/5 Brighton, 2/1 Saints, 12/1 and above the rest. So it's basically a "two horse race" with Brighton favourites but with Saints by no means out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 21 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 21 February, 2011 To provide some balance, it is worth reflecting on the latest odds to win the league. 4/5 Brighton, 2/1 Saints, 12/1 and above the rest. So it's basically a "two horse race" with Brighton favourites but with Saints by no means out of it. I am not a gambler, so dont really understand the intricacies of betting, but I am always bemused by people citing betting odds as evidence of what is going to happen. Surely the odds demonstrate nothing more that Saints fans are feeling very confident or loyal and are willing to put their money behind the team, in numbers, hence causing the bookies to reduce the odds and limit their risk ? How does this reflect the experienced and considered assessment of the state of play of the teams ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 I am not a gambler, so dont really understand the intricacies of betting, but I am always bemused by people citing betting odds as evidence of what is going to happen. Surely the odds demonstrate nothing more that Saints fans are feeling very confident or loyal and are willing to put their money behind the team, in numbers, hence causing the bookies to reduce the odds and limit their risk ? How does this reflect the experienced and considered assessment of the state of play of the teams ? Or your own (negative) opinion ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK the 2nd Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 I am not a gambler, so dont really understand the intricacies of betting, but I am always bemused by people citing betting odds as evidence of what is going to happen. Surely the odds demonstrate nothing more that Saints fans are feeling very confident or loyal and are willing to put their money behind the team, in numbers, hence causing the bookies to reduce the odds and limit their risk ? How does this reflect the experienced and considered assessment of the state of play of the teams ? No ... the bookies assess the likelihood of an event, express this in odds (with a profit margin built in). Market demand will have some influence but it would be very minor in a market like this. Generally it is a pretty good guide to the probability of an outcome (independent, without all the rose tinted views on one side or the "bears" on the other). So if you were to take out the margin they build in, their assessment would be roughly something like this: Brighton 50% chance of winning the league, Saints 25% chance, anyone else 25% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 Whilst Alpine has decided that no-one will be catching Brighton, and that Saints' run-in will be adversely affected by having to play more games than other sides, he doesn't seem to think it'll have the same effect on Brighton, who have played the same number of games as Saints. Fancy. In fact, due to the snow and frost in December, and in Brighton's case a run to the FA Cup 5th Round, EVERYONE has a fixture pile-up. Our squad (2 players for nearly every position, see above) leaves us better placed to challenge than anyone. At the end of the day you are talking about 2 or 3 extra games over a 2 1/2 month period. If a team cant cope with that then they dont deserve to go up. It is a fact that the more successful and better side you are the more games you play, for example PL clubs will be expected to reach the latter stages of all cup competitions. I dont hear Man U or Arsenal fans *****ing that their chances of winning the league are serverely dented as they now have have extra games to play because Chelsea are out of th FA cup and they are not and all other teams competing for the league wil set out to injure all thier players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 My take on this is that Adkins use of subs during a game will be critical...i.e. the timing of when they come on, what position he might sacrifice if not a like for like etc. That's assuming his hand is not forced due to injury which of course could be a significant concern, however he also needs to instill in the players a sense of not worrying about injury - if they are thinking negatively with regards injury they will pull out of tackles etc. which you cannot do in this league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 Arsene's worried (not for us mind): http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9403178.stm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohwhenthesaints Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 I'll just be happy to finish outside of the bottom 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 My worry is that Rochdale & Brentford at home & Tranmere away might hurt us in the end, three games where we should have got at least 7 points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 My worry is that Rochdale & Brentford at home & Tranmere away might hurt us in the end, three games where we should have got at least 7 points. we could afford to lose 3 anyway. W12 D3 L3 will do the trick amply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFC Forever Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 March 15th after Cherries away and before Weds at home would be ok for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bad Bob Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 Has it been said on this thread yet?? One of the great football truisms is :- "It's better to have the points than the games in hand!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bad Bob Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 My worry is that Rochdale & Brentford at home & Tranmere away might hurt us in the end, three games where we should have got at least 7 points. With Rochdales's curent form I was thinking we'd be lucky to come away from them with 1pt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(not THE) Kevin Moore Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 anybody else worried about the sky falling on our heads? Or other stuff we can't do anything about? It's not ideal, but we cant do anything about it, unless you're suggesting we sign a million loan players 'just in case'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Johnson Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 Brighton have the same amount of games to play, and we have a bigger squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 21 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 21 February, 2011 Brighton have the same amount of games to play, and we have a bigger squad. They have 8pts more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 21 February, 2011 Author Share Posted 21 February, 2011 anybody else worried about the sky falling on our heads? Or other stuff we can't do anything about? It's not ideal, but we cant do anything about it, unless you're suggesting we sign a million loan players 'just in case'? I find it really funny when all the tough guys use this argument... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(not THE) Kevin Moore Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 I find it really funny when all the tough guys use this argument... Tough guys? Aw, thanks I'm flattered. I'd never describe myself as tough but I'm sure in your mixed up little head that counts as a compliment. FWIW I'm pretty happy with where we are, if all we have to worry about is being in the playoffs, playing pretty well, winning and by winning our games in hand be in second place with (albeit only a 'bit' of) room to spare then it can't be all that bad can it? If all we have to worry about are 'what if's' then I'll take that. I'm sure those around us are more worried about us than we are them. I don't think we need to sign anyone because we do appear to have options now and a bit of variety, we're already going through the process of integrating Forte and NGuessan into the squad, I feel that adding more players to the mix 'just in case' could do more harm than good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 We have had our injury spell: Hammond, Lallana, Spiderman, Ricky. Barnard have all had time out already through injury. We have the biggest squad in the league and will cope with the huge number of games to be played.... Playing football twice a week and getting paid for it..... hmmm let me think of something else better to do........ They are paid sportsmen; we have physios, doctors, coaches, dietitians, christ knows what behind the sences and here we are debating whether having to play 3 more games than the rest of the teams is going to be problem???? 3 more games, thats 270 minutes more football, 3 games more than the rest around us!! Weather will be getting better, drier, thus the pitches will play better and suit our style of passing the ball better. Personally I do not think it will be a problem!!! Exactly my thoughts on #71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pele Posted 21 February, 2011 Share Posted 21 February, 2011 Drama queen Alpine strikes again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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