Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 So should we be prioritising CL league or Premiership matches when we have two matches a week? Would the best players play in CL at the expense of our league position? How much more might our seat prices rise? Could we get into financial trouble by signing expensive CL quality players who we might not be able to afford once we are out of the competition? The historic tragedy of Leeds Utd and Ipswich before comes to mind. I'm not dissing European football for us which would be momentous, just pointing out some risks. (The same applies equally whichever European competition we might find ourselves in) Meanwhile back to the thread, I would give game experience to Chambers, Maya, Ramires, Cork, Lee, Davies and Fox, the remainder of places (but not full 90 minutes) to first team players. Rickie and JWP must be on the pitch towards the end in case it comes down to penalties. I think that if our fringe players can't do enough to beat Sunderland then European football is not yet a realistic option. I agree with that. Except the Rickie bit - with Osvaldo carrying an injury, we can't afford not to have either on Saturday. As for your first point, yes European qualification carries risk, but that shouldn't be an inhibitor. We would just need to manage those risks. I think the management at the club would know how to manage it.
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Speak for yourself... most intelligent saints fans agree with MPs approach of pursuing the ultimate objective.. we may beat Sunderland with a squad team anyway. It's a lost cause trying to reason with some of these people. Some muppets on here think it would be better to get relegated because we win more games at Championship level and it's more fun winning games. That's what we're up against!!
Glasgow_Saint Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 It's a lost cause trying to reason with some of these people. Some muppets on here think it would be better to get relegated because we win more games at Championship level and it's more fun winning games. That's what we're up against!! We have more chance of winning a cup than finishing 4th - thats all anyone is saying. Most would prefer to finsih 8th or 9th and win a cup than finish 6th or 7th and win nothing
JRM Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Speak for yourself... most intelligent saints fans agree with MPs approach of pursuing the ultimate objective.. we may beat Sunderland with a squad team anyway. intelligent? i would say misguided. you can live your fantasy playing football manager at home taking us to the champions league while we're at Wembley in the league cup final
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 We have more chance of winning a cup than finishing 4th - thats all anyone is saying. Most would prefer to finsih 8th or 9th and win a cup than finish 6th or 7th and win nothing What evidence do you have for that besides your own opinion?
Glasgow_Saint Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 What evidence do you have for that besides your own opinion? Think its safe to say that most would choose 8th place and a cup win over 6/7th and nothing? Wouldnt you?
Griffo Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Think its safe to say that most would choose 8th place and a cup win over 6/7th and nothing? Wouldnt you? I'd choose relegation and an FA cup win over a top 8 finish.
Sour Mash Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 We have more chance of winning a cup than finishing 4th - thats all anyone is saying. Most would prefer to finsih 8th or 9th and win a cup than finish 6th or 7th and win nothing Exactly that, mad that anyone would think differently.
Glasgow_Saint Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I'd choose relegation and an FA cup win over a top 8 finish. woo woo steady on Griffo
Wiggles31 Posted 5 November, 2013 Author Posted 5 November, 2013 This is our biggest game of the season so far.
Sour Mash Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 What evidence do you have for that besides your own opinion? So you would rather finish 7th and win nothing, than 8th and win a cup? Mental.
JoeShmoe Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 There's no way MoPo is going to drag half the first team up to Sunderland in a mickey mouse cup. Half the people posting were also on a thread t'other day about preventing burnout with our pressing game The bigger teams are taking this more seriously now as winning a trophy (any trophy) can save a managers season so expect to see ManU, Chelsea etc putting out strong teams
Leicestersaint Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Some of the views on here defy belief!
jasoneuelllfanclub Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 But if we achieve Champions league competition by resting players midweek to get there, we are not going to get far in the two matches a week competition, are we? Errr one would think with the extra finances and attraction of the CL we would strengthen our squad to compete in both league and CL.
SaintSteve Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 intelligent? i would say misguided. you can live your fantasy playing football manager at home taking us to the champions league while we're at Wembley in the league cup final What a pathetic statement.. is this the level of the forum these days... God forbid
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Some of the views on here defy belief! Which camp? I need to know how bonkers I am
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I've got a radical idea. How about we all have different opinions and respect the views of others? Actually, ignore that. Shouting down other people's opinions is much more entertaining...
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Errr one would think with the extra finances and attraction of the CL we would strengthen our squad to compete in both league and CL. Complicated this squad concept, isn't it?
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 (edited) @SouthamptonFC: Kelvin Davis says #SaintsFC's focus is purely on tomorrow's trip to @SAFCofficial and not a potential quarter-final: http://t.co/cbvnsj58mN @SouthamptonFC: Kelvin Davis: "We're looking to progress and we know that going to #SAFC will be no easy game." #saintsfc http://t.co/v825BW0kF2 @SouthamptonFC: Kelvin: "It's going to be a tough game. The fact that the winners will play @chelseafc - at this stage - doesn't mean anything." #saintsfc @SouthamptonFC: Kelvin: "It's been a long time since I was at #SAFC and they've had their ups and downs since I left there, and I have as well." #saintsfc Edited 5 November, 2013 by trousers
CWD Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 You're crazy. Seriously though, you may be right, but someone above made a good point... if we were to play Lambert and J-Rod, and one or both picked up a knock, or we ended up playing 120 mins, and then Osvaldo didn't recover in time for Saturday, then I really wouldn't fancy our chances of beating Hull. It's a percentages game; my view is we shouldn't take the gamble. We have a squad - lets use it in this competition. We've used the League cup in years gone by for our fringe players and for the likes of Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers, James W-P, Alex Ox-C, etc...I'd far rather we use the League Cup for giving our fringe players game time and for bringing younger players through like Omar Rowe, Harrison Reed etc. Why move away from that strategy now? Haha thanks. I totally agree about the young players - I'm just not convinced they should be playing alongside our fringe senior players. Put Reed in next to Wanyama, Rowe next to Lallana etc. and we might just win the game AND get the lads some experience. And if players are tired then rest them - but don't weaken the team too considerably. All IMHO of course and I do understand your point.
VectisSaint Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Get with the times buddy. Cortese wants CL football, it is clear from the players and manager this is the goal. Cortese believes Poch and the current squad can achieve this, however playing a full or near full strength side in Capital One Cup is not going to help achieve that. From next season the winners of the Europa League will qualify for the Champions League the following season, so winning the COC this season could be a way (however unlikely) of achieving that aim.
yorkie Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I'm in the don't care camp as I'm going to watch a competitive game of football between 2-sides - one of which I happen to follow. On the one hand I want to win every game and stick one on Poyet - on the other I worry about burn out of our talented young squad by over playing them. Yes I know they are professional footballers and only have to play for 90-mins a week (usually) - but this high tempo game is taxing on a body of any age! I know in my heart that anyone pulling on a shirt these days wants to give 100% - but I have my doubts about a couple of them. Gaston (the enigma) is one of them. Sometimes he looks interested - other times he looks lost. Petulant challenges when he loses the ball - and should get booked. This is just the sort of stage he will lose it and get sent off - nice warm bath instead of a cold wet rainy Stadium of Light for another 30-mins! Lee is another one I have my doubts about - he looked absolutely useless at Leeds last year, and seen nothing of him thise year to change my mind. So in summary: I want the win I want 100% effort and honesty I couldn't care less who plays One game at a time For God's sake it's Hull on Saturday not Barcelona!! Trust in Pochettino and the squad Nice to meet some of the first team in with the fans!
CFSFC Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 It's a sad day when a dime-a-dozen nondescript league game against (wait for it) Hull City is regarded as more of a priority than the club pursuing only its second major trophy of the modern era. Some of you lot are effing nuts. Couldn't agree more.
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Have just watched the pre-match interview with Kelvin. I think it's pretty clear from what he said that we'll be resting 'most' of the team that started vs Stoke.
CFSFC Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 My Brighton supporting mate reckons Poyet never plays a fully strength side s hopefully we play enough to beat theri reserves and we progress.
JRM Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Have just watched the pre-match interview with Kelvin. I think it's pretty clear from what he said that we'll be resting 'most' of the team that started vs Stoke. we clearly are going to play a weakened team - that is what is frustrating, watching the chance of a decent cup run being lost due to club apathy is disappointing, all media stories point to virtually a complete change http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10784394.Fonte_s_faith_in_Saints_squad/
ottery st mary Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 As I get my team selection wrong everytime:rolleyes: I will leave team selection for both Sunderland and Hull games to MP:) Coz I have not got a clue.... Hopefully we will win both games:D
JRM Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 My Brighton supporting mate reckons Poyet never plays a fully strength side s hopefully we play enough to beat theri reserves and we progress. good point, i recall non-league Woking and FC United of Manchester both taking Brighton to cup replays. Could be a good thing for us then.
jamesfp1 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 All I want is for Omar Rowe to get a full 90 with some first teamers around him.
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Think its safe to say that most would choose 8th place and a cup win over 6/7th and nothing? Wouldnt you? It's a ridiculous proposition. There's no way of knowing that's how things would pan out. What I would choose is we give it our best shot at finishing 4th or higher.
Sour Mash Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 It's a ridiculous proposition. There's no way of knowing that's how things would pan out. What I would choose is we give it our best shot at finishing 4th or higher. It's not a ridiculous propostion, just quite a straight forward question to answer, not hard.
Wadge Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 All I want is for Omar Rowe to get a full 90 with some first teamers around him. Yes I want to see Rowe start with some quality around him.
St_Tel49 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 There are no certainties in the outcome of any game, league or cup, with or without our first team, that we should just leave to MP to manage his squad as he sees fit. I am quite sure that he wants to win this game but I am equally sure that he wants to win on Saturday more. The team he puts out tonight should be good enough to win
Bewildered Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 The u21s have a closed doors friendly against Charlton this afternoon, this is the team #SaintsFCU21s team versus #CAFC U21s: Johns, Young, McCarthy, Debayo, Targett, Gape, Robinson, Flannigan, Moore, Rowe, Sinclair. Britt (GK), Mason, Colmer, Sims, Seager. No Isgrove, Reed, Stephens or Turnbull, maybe on the bench/starting tomorrow?
UpweySaint Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I fancy people are being a touch too black and white about this. Progress in the cup could help build momentum for the league while on the other hand a good league finish this year might help us solidify the gains we have made and have a crack at trophies year on year if we build on the side (ifs and maybes for sure but thats sort of the point!). My own opinion is, as much as I would love a cup run, I am prouder of our reputation for bringing through the academy talents and, if that means giving them experience in the cups, so be it.
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 All I want is for Omar Rowe to get a full 90 with some first teamers around him. He's playing for the U21s this afternoon
Bwanamakubwa Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 It's not a ridiculous propostion, just quite a straight forward question to answer, not hard. True that it is. Would you accept the cup win and 6th or 4th? Another straightforward hypothetical question.
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I fancy people are being a touch too black and white about this. Progress in the cup could help build momentum for the league while on the other hand a good league finish this year might help us solidify the gains we have made and have a crack at trophies year on year if we build on the side (ifs and maybes for sure but thats sort of the point!). My own opinion is, as much as I would love a cup run, I am prouder of our reputation for bringing through the academy talents and, if that means giving them experience in the cups, so be it. Best post of the day
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I fancy people are being a touch too black and white about this. Progress in the cup could help build momentum for the league while on the other hand a good league finish this year might help us solidify the gains we have made and have a crack at trophies year on year if we build on the side (ifs and maybes for sure but thats sort of the point!). My own opinion is, as much as I would love a cup run, I am prouder of our reputation for bringing through the academy talents and, if that means giving them experience in the cups, so be it. Best post of the day
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 True that it is. Would you accept the cup win and 6th or 4th? Another straightforward hypothetical question. 4th.
Tom28 Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 we clearly are going to play a weakened team - that is what is frustrating, watching the chance of a decent cup run being lost due to club apathy is disappointing, all media stories point to virtually a complete change http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10784394.Fonte_s_faith_in_Saints_squad/ It's starting already.
Sour Mash Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 True that it is. Would you accept the cup win and 6th or 4th? Another straightforward hypothetical question. Cup win and 6th for me. See, it is really easy to answer these questions.
Bwanamakubwa Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Cup win and 6th for me. See, it is really easy to answer these questions. As you know, that was my point! Neither question is ridiculous! 4th for me on this particular question but 8th and a cup win on the other ridiculous one.
Sour Mash Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 As you know, that was my point! Neither question is ridiculous! 4th for me on this particular question but 8th and a cup win on the other ridiculous one. So, on that basis you'd be happy to sacrifice the occasional league point for a good shot at a cup. I agree.
trousers Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 He's playing for the U21s this afternoon Half time: @CAFCofficial 1-1 #SaintsFCU21s. A fine set piece from Omar Rowe put the visitors ahead before Joe Gomez equalised with a header.
JRM Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 the 1/4 final v Chelsea will be live on sky on Tuesday 17th Dec if we get through
jasonb Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 I see Roma let another goal in at the weekend.
Bewildered Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Provisional squad for the game, taken from the mirror's preview: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/southampton-team-news-pochettino-set-2678454?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Provisional squad: K Davis, Gazzaniga, Clyne, Chambers, Shaw, Fox, Targett, Lovren, Hooiveld, Yoshida, Fonte, McCarthy, Stephens, Schneiderlin, Cork, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Wanyama, Lallana, Rowe, Reed, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Osvaldo, Lambert, Lee, Sinclair
Matthew Le God Posted 5 November, 2013 Posted 5 November, 2013 Provisional squad for the game, taken from the mirror's preview: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/southampton-team-news-pochettino-set-2678454?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Provisional squad: K Davis, Gazzaniga, Clyne, Chambers, Shaw, Fox, Targett, Lovren, Hooiveld, Yoshida, Fonte, McCarthy, Stephens, Schneiderlin, Cork, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Wanyama, Lallana, Rowe, Reed, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Osvaldo, Lambert, Lee, Sinclair "Provisional squad" They've just named 27 Saints players and left out Artur Boruc because it appears Kelvin Davis will play. They haven't a clue what it'll be.
Recommended Posts