The Kraken Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Its certainly disappointing compared to our previous years in the PL, when apparently the majority of our games were sold out weeks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 And we had no investment and were crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 And we had no investment and were crap. It will be a sell out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 It will be a sell out. I doubt that. We may sell out the regular seats, time will tell. But we didn't sell out the corporate areas against Man United, so I have sincere doubts we'll do that against Villa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 I'd didn't think this could be true as the weather forecast is good, it isn't the school holidays or a bank holiday weekend. There are no road works on the M3 or A34 and no train strike and its our only league home game in 4 weeks so no issue with anyone who just wants to see a game of premier league football having to pick one game out of two, therefore i assumed we'd sell out already and be turning thousands away. Then I remembered its the weekend before pay day and the 22nd of September is traditionally one of the most popular dates in the calander for surprise birthday parties for aunties so that explains why there are still a lot of tickets left. The Boat Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Why not just go in the Chapel end, Norm? Plenty of seats in there. £51 (Chapel) Versus £35 (Family). There are seats in the Chapel, where we normaly sit. I was honest with my grandson at the start of this season and said that I won't pay over £50 for us to go to a game. Shame really, as we have only missed two home games in the past 3 seasons but we will go to the next home game in the Family section. I just left it too late this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 £51 (Chapel) Versus £35 (Family). There are seats in the Chapel, where we normaly sit. I was honest with my grandson at the start of this season and said that I won't pay over £50 for us to go to a game. Shame really, as we have only missed two home games in the past 3 seasons but we will go to the next home game in the Family section. I just left it too late this time. Norm, get the little bugger to crack open his piggy bank so he can give you a pound in copper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Norm, get the little bugger to crack open his piggy bank so he can give you a pound in copper. Wade, thanks for the chuckle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 £51 (Chapel) Versus £35 (Family). There are seats in the Chapel, where we normaly sit. I was honest with my grandson at the start of this season and said that I won't pay over £50 for us to go to a game. Shame really, as we have only missed two home games in the past 3 seasons but we will go to the next home game in the Family section. I just left it too late this time. Ah right, didn't realise the prices were that much different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fanimal Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Having seen all 5 games this season we need Frazer at RB to organise the defence. Out with JWP, JP (too slow), Davis and one of the full backs. Our problem at the moment is accomodating 4 players who were not in the team last season. Bring back Cork and Chaplow, play Ramirez in behind RL. get back to our strengths! get Lallana back out on the left wing. (wenger identified him as our main threat and they ganged up on him in the middle yesterday) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Have Villa sold out already? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Have Villa sold out already? No, not yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 2000 left with a week to go. Is anyone really worried about that? Seriously? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 2000 left with a week to go. Is anyone really worried about that? Seriously? We often sold that on matchday walkups alone. So like you say with a week to go, I don't know why people are making an issue of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 We often sold that on matchday walkups alone. So like you say with a week to go, I don't know why people are making an issue of it. When was this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 (edited) We often sold that on matchday walkups alone. So like you say with a week to go, I don't know why people are making an issue of it. 2000 left with a week to go. Is anyone really worried about that? Seriously? Who is making an issue of it? Just a discussion about attendance as far as I can make out. Edited 16 September, 2012 by The Kraken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 When was this? It's fairly confusing; how did we have that many tickets sold on walkups when we were usually sold out days or weeks in advance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Who is making an issue of it? Just a discussion about attendance as far as I can make out. Surely by simply discussing it the issue becomes apparent.... Particularly when comments along the lines of 'Tickets arn't exactly flying out.....' are made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Surely by simply discussing it the issue becomes apparent.... Hmm. I've already said I think we'll probably sell out the standard tickets (non-corporates) come kick-off, so I'm not sure what issue there is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 Hmm. I've already said I think we'll probably sell out the standard tickets (non-corporates) come kick-off, so I'm not sure what issue there is. Kraken, please.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchen_block4 Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 -----------------Davis Clyne-----Fonte-----Yoshida-----Fox ---------Morgan-----JWP ---------------Ramirez Mayuka-----------------------Lallana ---------------Lambert Gazzaniga, Shaw, Cork, Davis, Puncheon, Rodriguez, Guly This one needs going for from the off. This one might not be Lambert's game, but he's done enough to deserve the start. He'll ned to play right up the pitch and we shouldn't be afraid to take him off if it's not working. That's one of the reasons Wigan went wrong and we can't let that happen here. Get Ramirez betwwen the lines and linking everyone up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 -----------------Davis Clyne-----Fonte-----Yoshida-----Fox ---------Morgan-----JWP ---------------Ramirez Mayuka-----------------------Lallana ---------------Lambert Gazzaniga, Shaw, Cork, Davis, Puncheon, Rodriguez, Guly This one needs going for from the off. This one might not be Lambert's game, but he's done enough to deserve the start. He'll ned to play right up the pitch and we shouldn't be afraid to take him off if it's not working. That's one of the reasons Wigan went wrong and we can't let that happen here. Get Ramirez betwwen the lines and linking everyone up. I like that, although I'm not sure Mayuka will start ahead of Puncheon. Not only that, I might put JayRod on to start instead of Lambert as he has the pace to get up and down a bit quicker. If he's not doing it, then bring Lambert on. Only other issue is whether Richardson will be on the bench - otherwise we have no senior defenders to call on if someone gets injured or we need an experienced head (Cork is not the answer). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 16 September, 2012 Share Posted 16 September, 2012 I hope people don't dwell on the first four games and start getting frustrated early on. I'm confident of a win here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 "The season begins against Villa." We always start the season slowly, so that's a worrying turn of phrase! I think we'll beat Villa. 2-0. A hunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintJackoInHurworth Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 4-1-1-2-2 formation with a front two instead of just one up front: ---------------Davis----------------- Clyne----Yoshida-----Hooiveld----Fox -------------Schneiderlin------------ --------------Davis/Cork------------- ---Ramirez------------------Lallana--- ---------Rodriguez--Lambert---------- Subs Gazza Fonte Cork/Davis JWP Mayuka Puncheon Richardson In this Schneiderlin acts as holding player and spreads passes out from the back, while Davis or Cork act as box-to-box players and link up play. Lallana and Ramirez have a free-ish role behind the forwards to roam and cut inside or get out wide as required. Rodriguez provides that extra bit of flair in and around the box and across the front line, while Rickie does his usual hard work all across the front and provides knock downs for others or gets on the end of crosses, etc. to score. We would use this to press forwards and keep Villa on the back foot keeping a high line, while ensuring that no runner is allowed the space and time to get behind the defence should Villa break forwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Paul C Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 How about a more traditional approach? ---------------Davis----------------- Clyne----Yoshida-----Hooiveld----Fox Puncheon - Ramirez - Morgan - Lallana -------Mayuka -- Lambert -------- With Morgan dropping into the Defensive Mid role and Ramirez pushing up behind the strikers.. Subs Gazza Fonte Davis JWP Guly J-Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 It's fairly confusing; how did we have that many tickets sold on walkups when we were usually sold out days or weeks in advance? Doesn't really tie in with the FACT that we had thousands of fans back then who didn't bother trying to get a ticket as they thought there was no chance of getting one. How can this be when we regularly selling 2,000 on the day of the match? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamsaint Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Its certainly disappointing compared to our previous years in the PL, when apparently the majority of our games were sold out weeks in advance. I don't think they were. Big games, holiday games...ga,es like this sold out late , if at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danbert Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 He really hasn't, United he was world class, every other game he has had the ball, run about about, tripped over it and wasted possession and goal scoring opportunities. Arsenal he gave a real league 1 performance with his single highlight being the cross in for our goal, even then it wasn't the best we have seen. A frustrating player who we should loose patience with very quickly because his ability to follow the game plan keeps dropping off a cliff and costing us badly. Exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfc4prem Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Reckon we'll draw after going behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 I can see Ramirez threading balls through to mayuka. A bit like berkovic and ostenstad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Didn't take long for Steven Davis to lose favour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Really looking forward to this game, we have a definite chance and a week of training to properly integrate the new signings into the team will do us the power of good. Team for me: ---------------- Gazzaniga ----------------- Clyne ------ Yoshida ---- Fonte -------- Fox --------- Schneiderlin --- Davis ------------- Puncheon -------- Ramirez ----------- Lallana ------------------ Lambert ----------------- Subs: Davis Seaborne Richardson Ward-Prowse Cork Mayuka Rodriguez Hooiveld naturally in there if fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Didn't take long for Steven Davis to lose favour. ...don't think he looks " Saints fit " yet ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchen_block4 Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 I like that, although I'm not sure Mayuka will start ahead of Puncheon. Not only that, I might put JayRod on to start instead of Lambert as he has the pace to get up and down a bit quicker. If he's not doing it, then bring Lambert on. Only other issue is whether Richardson will be on the bench - otherwise we have no senior defenders to call on if someone gets injured or we need an experienced head (Cork is not the answer). Mayuka won't swing the ball in like Puncheon, but he will get beyond and behind, which is important in a game like this one. It's one of the reasons we didn't have much clear cut against Wigan. If Adkins sees fit to put Lambert ont the bench then fair enough. I can certainly undertand why he might do it, although Lambert scores goals and brings alot to the team. This game won't be as relentless as Man U, Man City or Arse and he'll probably be able to last 90 minutes if we want him to. We're a match for Villa and as such I don't think we need to get too bogged down with gameplans. Throw what we've got at them and manage the game as it unfolds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom28 Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 --------------Davis------------- Clyne----Fonte----Yoshida----Shaw -------------Schneiderlin----------- --------JWP----------Ramirez------ Mayuka----------------------Lallana ---------------Lambert------------- Subs: Gazzaniga, Richardson, Cork, Rodriquez, Lee, Puncheon, Davis Rationale: Davis keeps his place just ahead of Gazzaniga. Davis' positioning and footwork for the Podolski free kick was woeful. Shot stopping is Davis' strongest part of his game and that looked poor on Saturday. He also made it pretty easy for Gervinho for the third goal. However, I wouldn't be ready to drop him just yet - it would be knee-jerk and look as though we're panicking. Clyne I thought was excellent on Saturday...he saved us a few times and he looked a threat going forward. He's a really top drawer full back. I know others on here didn't think he was very good on Sat - agree to disagree. Fonte and Yoshida get the start at CB because we don't have anyone else. The Yoshida mistake for the 3rd goal was Sunday league defending so not a great start. Shaw has to come in for Fox now at left back IMO. My patience for Fox has run out. I felt he warranted a place for his set piece delivery if nothing else, but his defending is just getting worse and worse. His positional play really has been shocking and unlike Clyne, he doesnt have the pace to recover. In midfield, we have to keep the ball more so Ramirez has to play. I didn't actually think he was as good as everyone is making out but you can tell he's comfortable in possession. I would drop Davis over JWP because I think JWP a) has been better and b) is fitter. Schneiderlin is an automatic choice as far as I'm concerned. Up top, Punch has been too inconsistent so time to give Mayuka a go. I'd like to see some real pace up top. We really lack it and it allows the opposition defence to play high up the pitch and cramp the likes of Lallana for time and space. With some pace in the team, Villa will have to drop a bit deeper and it will create more space for Lallana and Ramirez to operate. Lallana and Lambert are both automatic choices IMO too. Talk of Rodriguez coming in for Lambert is ridiculous. Lambert will score 15 goals in this division and he's one of our best players. Rodriguez is the future and I'm glad we have him but Lambert has to play now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasoneuelllfanclub Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 How about a more traditional approach? ---------------Davis----------------- Clyne----Yoshida-----Hooiveld----Fox Puncheon - Ramirez - Morgan - Lallana -------Mayuka -- Lambert -------- With Morgan dropping into the Defensive Mid role and Ramirez pushing up behind the strikers.. Subs Gazza Fonte Davis JWP Guly J-Rod Agree with this but Hooiveld is not likely to play so Jose in for him unfortunately. Definitely go back to 4-4-2 against villa. We need balance in midfield as well as having someone with pace alongside lambert. 4-3-3 gets exposed down the flanks which our fullbacks esp fox find hard to cope with albeit villla are no arsenal. I can see ramirez and morgan being a great combo however adkins did point out ramirez is ideal for #10 role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 The first target must be a clean sheet. That means dropping Fox and JH, possibly KD, tightening up the defensive midfield and getting some more pace into attack. There can be no more excuses about playing top sides, such as Wigan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainchris Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 We need to make some changes that is for sure. We are conceding goals - too many and too easily - changes are needed not only in defense but midfiels where Schniderlin is doing what he always does. Nowhere near agressive enough - the standing off and watching opoosition players on the ball ala Fox (Don't start me on him!) is catching. Too much praising and passive management NA will come and bight you - you may have noticed it is happening. Time to be decisive and bold - poor performances should be dealt with - that's why we have a squad. The top teams start by closing down and winning the ball back - we don't do that...........We rush back goal side and become statues in straight lines - except for Fox who plays a roving free role as a left back - a new concept I believe!! You have to engage the guy on the ball - can we not get this basic part of coaching across to our coaches because they are clearly not coaching this to the players and I would like to know why! Against Villa we will have to start being agressive when we lose the ball or we WILL be murdered again. I know Chappers is not a fancy dan like the others we have in the squad but at least he does know how to close down and make runs past our forward line. This is just an example of what we are missing. Sometimes we dismiss the Hammonds and Chaplows of this world too quickly. I can see Cork featuring very soon but he is only a clone Schniderlin and will not add positive energy and bight to the midfield....Message for Saturday - if you haven't got the ball go and close down and engage with the Villa player who has it - hunt in packs of twos and threes same as Barcelona do, give the player on the ball no space or time to pick a pass - if you want to watch a game buy a ticket like we do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Really looking forward to this game, we have a definite chance and a week of training to properly integrate the new signings into the team will do us the power of good. Team for me: ---------------- Gazzaniga ----------------- Clyne ------ Yoshida ---- Fonte -------- Fox --------- Schneiderlin --- Davis ------------- Puncheon -------- Ramirez ----------- Lallana ------------------ Lambert ----------------- Subs: Davis Seaborne Richardson Ward-Prowse Cork Mayuka Rodriguez Hooiveld naturally in there if fit. Not far off what I was going to suggest but I'd make a couple of tweaks. Firstly, I'd swap Puncheon for Mayuka to give us a different option if Paul Lambert squeezes us in midfield as expected and also Cork would come in if fit enough to give our back 4 a bit more screening. I'd also bring in Richardson on the right, Clyne to LB. Fox has been consistently poor and should be left out of the 18 until he sorts his positioning out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 I think cork will soon be in for the place of JWP.... JWP can't play and won't play majority of games... Cork is a busy player and is able to win the ball cleverly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Not far off what I was going to suggest but I'd make a couple of tweaks. Firstly, I'd swap Puncheon for Mayuka to give us a different option if Paul Lambert squeezes us in midfield as expected and also Cork would come in if fit enough to give our back 4 a bit more screening. I'd also bring in Richardson on the right, Clyne to LB. Fox has been consistently poor and should be left out of the 18 until he sorts his positioning out. IMO the answer to an underperforming left back isn't to switch your RB to LB. Clyne is still learning himself and IMO should stay where he is. If NA thinks Fox needs to come out the team then he should be replaced by a LB or we should just put up with him. Likewise Puncheon is a wide midfielder, Mayuka is a striker... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Ian Darke @IanDarkeESPN Already signs of more dynamic villa under Lambert. Reading and Soton in big trouble unless they defend much better. Hammers have more nous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Ian Darke @IanDarkeESPN Already signs of more dynamic villa under Lambert. Reading and Soton in big trouble unless they defend much better. Hammers have more nous. Hammers have also played Villa, Swansea, Fulham & Norwich so far - probably none of whom will be top 10. Can only judge after 10 games - Fat Sam said on Goals on Sunday that he identified they would need points at the start because the fixtures were relatively kind to them. We know we have to defend better, if we had zero points from the games WH have played then I would be extremely worried. The reality is we have faced the two best English teams and then another how qualify for the CL evey year. Wigan we should have taken points from but it was out first Prem game for 7 years against a team with momentum from last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tajjuk Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 For me:- Fox out Shaw in. A change is needed, he's the only one we have, the young players were promoted to the first team squad therefore they are good enough. Yoshida replaces Hoiveld - enforced change. Ramirez needs to start. JWP out, harsh I know but experience of Davis wins out. Mayuka in for Puncheon, need more pace. Same formation. Get at Villa from the off, push our defence high, press them high, get the crowd behind the players. With Cork, JWP, Puncheon, Rodriguez we have more than enough options on the bench to keep a high tempo game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BARCELONASAINT Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Still think the fixtures are the main problem. If we'd started at home to Villa, I'm very confident we'd have won. A good start is so important psychologically and I fear several players will just have too many doubts now, and all of them defensive players. Not sure what Puncheon has done to gain such favour on here. OK I haven't seen enough this season so perhaps he's been brilliant, but we've still lost every game and he hasn't scored, so given how out of favour he was and the attacking quality in the squad, it seems odd. I'd far rather see Ramirez, Mayuka or Guly start to be honest. Whenever I saw Puncheon he'd flatter to deceive, lost possession most the time and the team didn't seem quite the same. Guly has a lot of critics but he just seem to fit the team more, and Ramirez is clearly too good to leave out for long. We were 442 and very attacking for quite a while. We had AL/AOC on the wings then Guly, and we played some great football. Would it be too attacking to go AL/GR wide for home games with 2 up front? JRod or Mayuka with Lambert? I'm no Puncheon fan and the way he treated Saints i thought he should have been booted out the club.......however he has been given a fresh start and i have to say IMHO i think he has grabbed that opportunity and has looked one of our better players....i would start him against Villa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_ed Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 I'm no Puncheon fan and the way he treated Saints i thought he should have been booted out the club.......however he has been given a fresh start and i have to say IMHO i think he has grabbed that opportunity and has looked one of our better players....i would start him against Villa I completely agree. He was one of our best players against Man Utd in what was his best performance for the club so rightfully kept his place against Arsenal and should do against Villa also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyb1 Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Is anyone driving down from the london area (or nearby) on saturday? If so do you have a free space in your car? Would be more than happy to pay petrol money. PM me or andrew.brown@virtuefusion.com if you could help. Cheers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Punch played well in the Utd/City games, but in the Wigan/Arsenal games he was f*cking crap - especially on Saturday. Marking was appalling, found space but ran into dead-ends and lost the ball far too easily. He was at fault several times for letting Gibbs peel off and put in crosses as he was caught ball-watching. Play Mayuka, Lee, Lallana, Ramirez, Chaplow, De Ridder or Guly out wide instead. We're not exactly short of options... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyb1 Posted 17 September, 2012 Share Posted 17 September, 2012 Punch played well in the Utd/City games, but in the Wigan/Arsenal games he was f*cking crap - especially on Saturday. Marking was appalling, found space but ran into dead-ends and lost the ball far too easily. He was at fault several times for letting Gibbs peel off and put in crosses as he was caught ball-watching. Play Mayuka, Lee, Lallana, Ramirez, Chaplow, De Ridder or Guly out wide instead. We're not exactly short of options... Funny, the Arsenal fan i sat next to said he thought he was our best player. I thought he did fine too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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