corky morris Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 Only 2 changes for me. Clyne for Joss & Ramirez for Puncheon. Go 4-4-2 like we did yesterday. Guly on the left Ramirez on the right. I think we can get at their defence. Our best form of defence is attack too! We will get a point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the stain Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 We're going to take the Gunners by surprise. I've got a good feeling about this. We will raise our game and win 2-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 Need to win the midfield battle so need to have 3 in midfield rather than 442. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom28 Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 -----------Boruc----------- Clyne-Fonte-Yoshida-Shaw -Cork-Schneiderlin-Davis ---------Puncheon-------- --Lambert---Rodriquez-- Subs: Gazza, Hooiveld, Richardson, JWP, Guly, Ramirez, Mayuka Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the stain Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 I'd be very surprised if Ramirez is on the bench. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 Tbf he will not have to come for short corners aimed at Kenwyne in this game. But has to be Boruc - simply because IF he has a blinder & is now mentally fit then it saves us a few million for elsewhere in the team in the transfer window But IF Boruc plays like he has done in his other games for us, we will be doomed. It's a tough call, but his track record for us isn't on his side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 30 December, 2012 Share Posted 30 December, 2012 But IF Boruc plays like he has done in his other games for us, we will be doomed. It's a tough call, but his track record for us isn't on his side. This is what I don't quite understand, what has he done when playing that has been so bad? He's played, what 2 games? Didn't do much wrong in his last game against Spurs, apart from answer back to some fans who decided to boo him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 This is what I don't quite understand, what has he done when playing that has been so bad? He's played, what 2 games? Didn't do much wrong in his last game against Spurs, apart from answer back to some fans who decided to boo him. Agreed. He's looked better than the other two in the games he's played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadDogMatt Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 (edited) I have a spare adult season ticket seat available in Kingsland block 35 as my son has to work Yours at cost of £30 cash email maddogmatt7@gmail.com Cheers NOW SOLD Thanks Edited 31 December, 2012 by MadDogMatt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilippineSaint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 I nearly punched the wife the other day when she said Up the Arse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 We tried to play them at their - and our - own game in London and got turned over so what do we do? Saturday proved we can't sit back and contain teams so going all defensive isn't the answer either. It could be highly entertaining... We must try to take the game to them from kick off and hope they have an off day but they don't seem to have many of those these days. I'm guessing a bit of everything will happen, 5.30 ko is an awful time for players so a classic is unlikely and it may prove to be an out-of-sorts 2-2 draw. No doubt Adkins will play his usual taped message afterwards but this time anything we get will be a bonus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
del boy Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 has 0-0 written all over it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 This is what I don't quite understand, what has he done when playing that has been so bad? He's played, what 2 games? Didn't do much wrong in his last game against Spurs, apart from answer back to some fans who decided to boo him. Agreed. He's looked better than the other two in the games he's played. IMO, he looked slow and short of match fitness, nervous and indecisive in both games I've witnessed him play. I'm sure he has been training hard, but match fitness comes from playing competitive matches and Arsenal really isn't the game to introduce somebody who isn't 100%. Against Spurs he seemed reluctant to come and claim the ball, almost hesitant at times. I'm sure the post-match thread and view from those at the game was full of poor-performance comments (putting aside the bottle incident) about him that matches my opinion, but I'll happily stand corrected. It was similar for the WHam game, I even remember the Sky commentators saying he was having a 'mare and it was a game he'd want to forget. So sure, I appreciate it's only two games, but that's all I can judge him on. We've signed 'keepers before who have shown their class immediately, Boruc unfortunately didn't. All IMO, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 IMO, he looked slow and short of match fitness, nervous and indecisive in both games I've witnessed him play. I'm sure he has been training hard, but match fitness comes from playing competitive matches and Arsenal really isn't the game to introduce somebody who isn't 100%. Against Spurs he seemed reluctant to come and claim the ball, almost hesitant at times. I'm sure the post-match thread and view from those at the game was full of poor-performance comments (putting aside the bottle incident) about him that matches my opinion, but I'll happily stand corrected. It was similar for the WHam game, I even remember the Sky commentators saying he was having a 'mare and it was a game he'd want to forget. So sure, I appreciate it's only two games, but that's all I can judge him on. We've signed 'keepers before who have shown their class immediately, Boruc unfortunately didn't. All IMO, of course. Yet despite all that, he's still looked better than either Davis or Gazziniga. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Yet despite all that, he's still looked better than either Davis or Gazziniga. You're very easily pleased In fairness I don't disagree too much, Kevin panics and doesn't control his area and Gazza lacks experience. Both have shown quality at times, probably moreso Gazza IMO, but both have cost us points also. My main concern is changing 'keeper and unsettling the back-four against a very attacking team who will counter-attack really quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasoneuelllfanclub Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Need to win the midfield battle so need to have 3 in midfield rather than 442. Indeed. No way can we be outnumbered in the midfield with Wilshire, Corzola and Arteta they will destroy us and pick us off at will. We need to match them up and press them for the whole game (very hard I know esp after so many games over xmas). However Newcastle exploited there main weakness being fullback area and dealing with crosses. Unfortunately for Newcastle this allowed Arsenal midfield to have a lot of the ball in the Midfield which was to there detriment obviously. So difficult balance to find without being torn apart. Adkins has some tough calls to make. JRod deserves a chance but likewise Rickie is our main man so do we play 2 up front still or use JRod out left where is wasted imo? Then there is the case for choosing Guly based on his performance on saturday (missing an open goal aside). We need to give their midfield 3 something to think about, play between the lines as Nige would say. I am struggling how to guess what Adkins will go with for this one so based on my own preferences I think it will be: ---------------davis------------------- clyne fonte yoshida shaw puncheon morgan cork guly ------------ramirez--------------- ------------lambert--------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Lambert has to start. Apart from maybe mertesaker, he could cause havoc in the air... Provided we get quick balls in the box instead of tapping it around all the time Ramirez to start also... Hopefully clyne is back Would go with the line up above my post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 @solentsport: #Saintsfc team news - Clyne "wait and see" says NA, Lallana "not available". Confirmed Barnard coming back from #AFCB this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Would love a point from this one, but Arsenal are shít hot at the moment so not holding out much hope. -----------------------BORUC---------------------- CLYNE-------FONTE-------MAYA-------SHAW ------------MORGAN-------CORK--------------- PUNCH-----------RAMIREZ--------------GULY ---------------------LAMBERT-------------------- Subs: Davis, Richardson, Hooiveld, S.Davis, JWP, Rodriguez, Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Would love a point from this one, but Arsenal are shít hot at the moment so not holding out much hope. -----------------------BORUC---------------------- CLYNE-------FONTE-------MAYA-------SHAW ------------MORGAN-------CORK--------------- PUNCH-----------RAMIREZ--------------GULY ---------------------LAMBERT-------------------- Subs: Davis, Richardson, Hooiveld, S.Davis, JWP, Rodriguez, Lee Keeper aside, which has been debated enough by me, I think this is the likely and ideal starting lineup if Clyne is fit. Both Guly and Punch can offer something defensively as well as offensively, which we will need to counter Arsenal. If Clyne isn't fit, I'd like to see Richardson in his place - a RB at RB. Richardson also has a decent cross on him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchen_block4 Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Adding to the keeper debate, I'd play Gazza for his superior distribution. Not only does he offer quick distridution from the back, but he can also pick out a man accurately with a long ball. If we can get Lambert or Ramirez on the ball facing goal by bypassing all of the Arse players pressing us, we've got a pretty good chance of scoring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Originally Posted by Saint Garrett Need to win the midfield battle so need to have 3 in midfield rather than 442. Indeed. No way can we be outnumbered in the midfield with Wilshire, Corzola and Arteta they will destroy us and pick us off at will. We need to match them up and press them for the whole game (very hard I know esp after so many games over xmas). However Newcastle exploited there main weakness being fullback area and dealing with crosses. Unfortunately for Newcastle this allowed Arsenal midfield to have a lot of the ball in the Midfield which was to there detriment obviously. So difficult balance to find without being torn apart. Adkins has some tough calls to make. JRod deserves a chance but likewise Rickie is our main man so do we play 2 up front still or use JRod out left where is wasted imo? Then there is the case for choosing Guly based on his performance on saturday (missing an open goal aside). We need to give their midfield 3 something to think about, play between the lines as Nige would say. I am struggling how to guess what Adkins will go with for this one so based on my own preferences I think it will be: ---------------davis------------------- clyne fonte yoshida shaw puncheon morgan cork guly ------------ramirez--------------- ------------lambert--------------- All looks pretty good for this game. The one thing I would add is who is going to turn up for the party? With the amount of tough games we have had recently I don't expect Ricky to be on top form and Guly has been known to struggle in the past, plus it would come as no big surprise if Morgan or Cork tailed off. On that basis Adkins may rest Guly for Rodriquez. I am tempted with your layout + and Adkins change due to fitness levels for one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ottery st mary Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 If all fit... Boruc/Davis...........yes play them both at the same time;) Clyne Fonte Yoshida Shaw Cork Morgan Punch Gaston Lambert Jay Rod Saints 3-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 If all fit... Boruc/Davis...........yes play them both at the same time;) Clyne Fonte Yoshida Shaw Cork Morgan Punch Gaston Lambert Jay Rod Why would you want to move away from the 4-2-3-1 system that has been working so well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ottery st mary Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Why would you want to move away from the 4-2-3-1 system that has been working so well? Coz....When I pick the team and give it to Uncle Nigel...He does what he likes....... I might just be his BIIITCH:rolleyes: mY TEAM AND FORMATION WOULD BE wORLD BEATERS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Why would you want to move away from the 4-2-3-1 system that has been working so well? It has, but it's also been the formation that's seen us also drop a multitude of points. Whether that would have happened in another formation, no-one knows. Irrespective, I'd keep the formation as after a bedding in period, it looks like we've adapted to it. Gaston shouldn't be stuck out left though... definitely should have him central Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 It has, but it's also been the formation that's seen us also drop a multitude of points. Whether that would have happened in another formation, no-one knows. Irrespective, I'd keep the formation as after a bedding in period, it looks like we've adapted to it. Gaston shouldn't be stuck out left though... definitely should have him central what costs us the vast majority of those multitude of points isn't enumerated in the schema. Instead of 1-4-2-3-1 we have 0.5-4-2-3-1 as a rule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pangy Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Would like to see some pace up front as Mertasacker is about as fast as my nan and she has been dead for 5 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 (edited) It's rare that there is such as a thing as an easy game in this league but tomorrow is as close as you can get to it. A club in decline with an arrogant c*nt as a manger come to St Mary's. Their two brightest stars Walcott and chamberlain have ruined their careers and stalled their progress by joining Arsenal, meanwhile players that have stayed at Southampton like those two should have are tearing the premier league apart. Gibbs is a terrible defender and their best centre half is as fast as people's dead nan so it should be no problem to destroy their defence. Southampton have a far superior coaching set up to their London opponents and The current Saints team is man for man better than the team which narrowly lost to the best Arsenal team ever in 2003 cup final so on paper you can only see one winner in what could be one of the most one side games in the history of English soccerball. Prediction Saints 8 Arsenal 0 Edited 31 December, 2012 by Turkish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BotleySaint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Fear the worst tomorrow but hope we can keep the score down to help our goal difference! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFrost Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 I love how all of Mark Lawrenson's predictions for tomorrow's games are either a 2-0 or 2-1 win Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Just go with the flow,arsenal are on fire,we are not expected to get anything from the game,we can't hold onto a lead but can score goals so just sit back and enjoy for it what it is,a lopsided game of football that should produce plenty of goals.....hopefully we can get something from it if they have an off day but don't hold your breath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 I woudl stick with Guly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOSaint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Arsenal are always tough, but if we can get at them in midfield who knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 4-2 saints! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 I love how all of Mark Lawrenson's predictions for tomorrow's games are either a 2-0 or 2-1 win They are every week! Had we been about to play Arsenal 3 or 4 weeks ago I'd have been more confident of us getting something, possibly even nicking a win. As it happens we are about to play them as they are going through something of a goal glut. I think they'll just simply out score us. 4-2 to the Gooners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 I love how all of Mark Lawrenson's predictions for tomorrow's games are either a 2-0 or 2-1 win and despite this are nearly always wrong. Very seldom gets score right, and is lucky to get 3 or 4 results correct. Yet he is evidently the BBC's expert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gammon cheeks Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 Saints 6 arsenal 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 One word #Bradford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampersound Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 gutted to miss this one but the wife is 7 days late to squeeze out the next Saints fan... cant risk travelling down and her going into labour. I'll just have to be satisfied with watching on a stream.. 3-2 Saints win with a last minute screamer from 35 yards is what I'm going to be wishing for tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 gutted to miss this one but the wife is 7 days late to squeeze out the next Saints fan... cant risk travelling down and her going into labour. I'll just have to be satisfied with watching on a stream.. 3-2 Saints win with a last minute screamer from 35 yards is what I'm going to be wishing for tonight. My dad missed my birth because he was the FA Cup fifth round match v Man U at the Dell in 1977. True story, I don't know if that explains a lot or leaves more questions than answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max_saints Posted 31 December, 2012 Share Posted 31 December, 2012 evidently from our previous encounter we cannot play them at their passing game, what we should do IMO is to adopt a more direct approach like we did in the first half against stoke. be aggressive and get in their faces and not allow them time on the ball and not just watch as they dance the ball around us. won't be pretty but what the heck we need all the points we can get at this stage. defense sorts itself out whoever's fit, punch on the right guly on the left with Ramirez behind lambert. think NA also needs to make a tough choice on who will be the keeper as KD still does not look very assured and I think there the previous game would be on the back of Davis' mind. may be time to bring boruc back from exile and give him a top game to prove what he's got. after all that's said, I still think arsenal has too much for us and will still win this albeit a smaller score line, hopefully we at least give them a tougher time unlike the last time out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lets B Avenue Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 My dad missed my birth because he was the FA Cup fifth round match v Man U at the Dell in 1977. True story, I don't know if that explains a lot or leaves more questions than answers. Only if he missed your christening/bris to see the replay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 Only if he missed your christening/bris to see the replay. Not sure to be honest. I'll check. I was a cup final baby though, if Saints had lost that day I'd never have graced this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 Not sure to be honest. I'll check. I was a cup final baby though, if Saints had lost that day I'd never have graced this forum.Bobby Stokes has a lot to answer for - you cross 'em, I'll knock 'em in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 Not sure to be honest. I'll check. I was a cup final baby though, if Saints had lost that day I'd never have graced this forum....and I was sure you were older than me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 A long afternoon, little of the ball so will need to take what crumbs we get.plenty of defending from everyone. saints to win 2-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wessex saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 Keep Guly in starting XI... he retains possession and also works his nads off to tackle back. Hell we'll need that today!Looks like Clyne may still be carrying a knock - I'd start with Richardson if so - need a half mobile proper full back and guess he's the best choice. When we occasionally get a sniff of the ball don't be afraid to sometimes play it long to create something..We can't out 'football' Arsenal in the same way we can't out 'bully' like Stoke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 Why would you want to move away from the 4-2-3-1 system that has been working so well? I don't think we are playing that system. It looks more to me like a 4 man midfield, with either a front 2 or 1 playing in the hole. It's this system that has made us harder to beat as the full-backs are no longer being left exposed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 1 January, 2013 Share Posted 1 January, 2013 Get a few hard tackles in early on and see if they're up for it. Wind Wilshere up, great player but very suspect temperament. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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