SuperSAINT Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 Here we go then. Come on Saints. This will answer some questions. Please win, otherwise there will be a meltdown of biblical proportions.
Pamplemousse Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 We need a positive reaction. In the cup games this season, we've generally played well, so hopefully that will continue. Puel needs to name a strongish team but with the Liverpool EFL Cup game in midweek, there will be rotation.
Batman Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 surely, he has to play his best 11 of those who are available no need to 'rotate' this one
SuperSAINT Posted 2 January, 2017 Author Posted 2 January, 2017 I can see Norwich winning this game. I thought Norwich had been woeful lately but they annoyingly tanked Derby 3-0 to give them a big boost.
Dalek2003 Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 BTW, Norwich have a really good striker who scored a hatrick today. Worth a bid.
spyinthesky Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 Perhaps we could play a Championship level side, against Norwich to see how they would get on if the worse case scenario comes about Mind you, the way we have been playing lately, our first choice side is effectively Championship level What we could really do without is a replay, another sending off or injuries to any of our (few) better players
Appy Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 surely, he has to play his best 11 of those who are available no need to 'rotate' this one We will, save our best team for Liverpool I expect, not that Puel knows what that is.
saint77 Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 I can see Norwich winning this game. For first time in many a year i actually don't care if we do that's how much puels got to me
adrian lord Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 Norwich are motoring. Scoring for fun. This could be tough.
Wimborne_saint Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 Norwich are motoring. Scoring for fun. This could be tough. 3 wins in last 14 games in the league, hadn't won in 3 before today - hardly call that motoring
SuperSAINT Posted 2 January, 2017 Author Posted 2 January, 2017 Didn't we lose to them this time last season too?
fanimal Posted 2 January, 2017 Posted 2 January, 2017 Forget the Fook All Cup this year just play the lads, and keep the main 16 players for the game of the season in 9 days time. Nowt else matters right now, have to go like hell at the Scouse thieves to at least give us some loyal fans something to cheer about at home in this dire dark winter...
JRM Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 surely, he has to play his best 11 of those who are available no need to 'rotate' this one On the contrary this is one game where you absolutely can make a case for playing a "weaker" team (not that Puel knows what his strongest XI is anyway). The Liverpool cup semi final on Wednesday 11th has to be our primary focus now putting out our strongest team possible in that fixture and Liverpool will rest plenty in their game v Plymouth. Norwich is an odd one, their fans are not particularly fussed about the game and have been calling for the managers head as they fall further and further behind in the promotion race and want all the focus to be on a run for the play offs to get them back up. Neither the home or away ends are anywhere near being sold out (in fact Eastleigh have sold more for their trip to Brentford than we have) which shows where this game sits in the eyes of the fans. Such a shame McCarthy got such a bad hamstring injury against Sunderland and he was showing promising signs of challenging Forster for a starting place and would have featured in this. I'd expect to see Martina, Sims, McQueen, Reed all play. 1-1 draw and a replay that neither side will want.
trousers Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 (edited) Saturday: Lewis Cedric Yoshida Virgil Bertrand Davis Reed Hojbjerg Sims Isgrove Long Subs: Taylor, McQueen, Stephens, JWP, Clasie, Redmond, Barnes Wednesday: Forster Cedric Fonte Virgil Bertrand Romeu Davis Clasie Redmond Tadic JRod Subs: Taylor/Lewis, McQueen, Yoshida, JWP, Hojbjerg, Sims, Long Edited 3 January, 2017 by trousers
sandwichsaint Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 Saturday: Lewis Cedric Yoshida Virgil Bertrand Davis Reed Hojbjerg Sims Isgrove Long Subs: Taylor, McQueen, Fonte, JWP, Clasie, Redmond, Barnes Wednesday: Forster Cedric Fonte Virgil Bertrand Romeu Davis Clasie Redmond Tadic JRod Subs: Taylor/Lewis, McQueen, Yoshida, JWP, Hojbjerg, Sims, Long We look super skinny without Boufal.
Saint Garrett Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 We look super skinny without Boufal. Whats the earliest he could be back? Got to be tempted to play a 4231 and play Redmond - Tadic - J-Rod -----------Long-----------
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 surely, he has to play his best 11 of those who are available no need to 'rotate' this one He will have to "rotate" or play the same team as Tuesday.... can`t win with you..
Lighthouse Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 Trying to put a positive spin on things; I'm now actually relieved we weren't drawn against the Skates.
SuperSAINT Posted 3 January, 2017 Author Posted 3 January, 2017 Whats the earliest he could be back? Got to be tempted to play a 4231 and play Redmond - Tadic - J-Rod -----------Long----------- I like that. It's telling how weak we are though when that leaves literally Josh Sims as our only attacking player on the bench.
Chewy Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 Second string for me for a couple of reasons, firstly I think Norwich will play a weakened team; in recent seasons it's happened a lot as gaining promotion is far more important. Their Derby result aside, they've been in poor form but are in range of the playoffs so I'd guess they'll rest players to target the league. Secondly, Tuesday is far more important and we have a much better chance in that competition simply because we're one of four, not sixty four still in it. I know the fa cup has the history, but in all reality both cups offer exactly the same thing - a route into Europe, loose change in prize money (compared to the league) and a day out at Wembley (well, 2 in the fa cup ... Though God knows why). We have to prioritise the Liverpool game IMHO.
Chewy Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 Second string for me for a couple of reasons, firstly I think Norwich will play a weakened team; in recent seasons it's happened a lot as gaining promotion is far more important. Their Derby result aside, they've been in poor form but are in range of the playoffs so I'd guess they'll rest players to target the league. Secondly, Tuesday is far more important and we have a much better chance in that competition simply because we're one of four, not sixty four still in it. I know the fa cup has the history, but in all reality both cups offer exactly the same thing - a route into Europe, loose change in prize money (compared to the league) and a day out at Wembley (well, 2 in the fa cup ... Though God knows why). We have to prioritise the Liverpool game IMHO. Sorry, meant to say it's happened a lot with championship teams, not specifically Norwich ...
Saint Garrett Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 I like that. It's telling how weak we are though when that leaves literally Josh Sims as our only attacking player on the bench. Yeah, amazing how limited our options are which is probably why we don't play with an attacking 4.
Crab Lungs Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 I don't think I could be any less excited about a Saints game.
ErwinK1961 Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 I don't think I could be any less excited about a Saints game. Oh I don't know, I reckon I could trump you.
SuperSAINT Posted 3 January, 2017 Author Posted 3 January, 2017 I don't think I could be any less excited about a Saints game. Not the most exciting but a massively important game.
Saint Garrett Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 ---------------McCarthy Martina Stephens Yoshida McQueen ---------------Reed Clasie------------ Sims -----------Tadic --------Redmond -----------------JRod------------------
Pamplemousse Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 On the Norwich forum, they expect to put out a weakened team
benjii Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 I think we should leave out a few who will start against Liverpool but it's also a good chance for others to play themselves into a bit of form. Assuming the 4-3-3, I'd go with: ---------------------Forster-------------------- Stephens-------Yoshida------Virgil-----Bertrand -----------------------Reed----------------------- --------------JWP---------------McQueen--------- --------Redmond---------------------Tadic-------- ------------------------Long------------------------ Subs: Huey Lewis, Martina, Fonte, Davis, Sims, Rodriguez, Clasie I'd probably look to give Jay Rod half an hour in one of the wide attacker roles as well, as I think he could be useful there for us, particularly in away matches where it would be good to have him and Long on the pitch to provide an outlet.
Heisenberg Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 Norwich will go weak I suspect - we will have a mixture. Both teams have very poor form - think we should and will win this. Might inspire a mini bounce with any luck
Pamplemousse Posted 3 January, 2017 Posted 3 January, 2017 The referee for this one is Chris Kavanagh Mainly a Football League ref but was in charge when we beat Sunderland in the EFL Cup He'll probably be promoted to the Select Group next season
SuperSAINT Posted 5 January, 2017 Author Posted 5 January, 2017 (edited) http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15002169.Puel_set_to_take_a_gamble/?ref=rss Incredibly risky IMO. Even if the youngsters win, none of the 1st team players take any confidence from it sat on the bench! Edited 5 January, 2017 by SuperSAINT
Baird of the land Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Going to this game. Struggling for enthusiasm at the moment though because of both the quality of football and the results we've been delivering. If Puel's still planning on playing a young team my reaction is i'm not sure i can really tell the difference between the 1st XI & the rotated XI at the moment, which is part of the problem. Both look ok but not special. Still a risk for Puel because if he loses both this and league cup semi i can't see him recovering.
benjii Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15002169.Puel_set_to_take_a_gamble/?ref=rss Incredibly risky IMO. Even if the youngsters win, none of the 1st team players take any confidence from it sat on the bench! Yes, but actually, that's a slightly hyperbolic take on it by the Echo. Makes sense to leave Cedric out seeing as he has a head injury and Martina isn't exactly setting the world alight so sensible for Stephens to get the experience. Reed would always have been likely to play given Romeu wasn't rested over Christmas. Sims has been around the first team for a few weeks and Boufal is unavailable. Plus Sims has looked really decent. McQueen has proven perfectly capable against better opposition than Norwich and apparently Bertrand has been ill. So, really, the only surprise would be if Hesketh starts and if any of the other youth players also start. I don't think picking the others is some sort of big gamble.
trousers Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Yes, but actually, that's a slightly hyperbolic take on it by the Echo. Makes sense to leave Cedric out seeing as he has a head injury and Martina isn't exactly setting the world alight so sensible for Stephens to get the experience. Reed would always have been likely to play given Romeu wasn't rested over Christmas. Sims has been around the first team for a few weeks and Boufal is unavailable. Plus Sims has looked really decent. McQueen has proven perfectly capable against better opposition than Norwich and apparently Bertrand has been ill. So, really, the only surprise would be if Hesketh starts and if any of the other youth players also start. I don't think picking the others is some sort of big gamble. Fancy starting a sweepstake on how many will bear this in mind at 14 hundred hours on Saturday when the squad is announced? I'll take 17 (being the wildly optimistic chap that I am).
Mr Saints Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15002169.Puel_set_to_take_a_gamble/?ref=rss Incredibly risky IMO. Even if the youngsters win, none of the 1st team players take any confidence from it sat on the bench! Ridiculous decision if true.
Joe Kirkup Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 I see our fans aren't taking it too seriously either. One block sent back to Norwich and only 1400 or so sold so far. I'll still be there although not sure why.
Pamplemousse Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Ridiculous decision if true. No different to the cup games against Sunderland or Palace. The current first team isn't exactly doing well...
Whitey Grandad Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 No different to the cup games against Sunderland or Palace. The current first team isn't exactly doing well... We don't actually have a first team, or if we do we don't play it at the moment. We go into every game with several changes from the previous.
Pamplemousse Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 We don't actually have a first team, or if we do we don't play it at the moment. We go into every game with several changes from the previous. We have a lot of games in January. The rotation will continue for a little while yet. Once we're back to playing once a week, we can play the same XI.
James Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Surely a win is more valuable than keeping players fresh for Wednesday? I mean, it's a game against a Championship team. A fourth defeat on the spin (regardless of selection) in a week where the captain has handed in a transfer request won't do much for club morale ahead of a semi final.
Whitey Grandad Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 We have a lot of games in January. The rotation will continue for a little while yet. Once we're back to playing once a week, we can play the same XI. Rotation means we never play our best team. Nothing beats a settled team and playing the same group of players together breeds confidence and understanding. How can anybody ever get match-sharp if they don't play regularly? There's a big difference between being fit to play and being match-fit. This constant rotation is demotivating our best players and is leading to constant underachieving.
Heisenberg Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Surely a win is more valuable than keeping players fresh for Wednesday? I mean, it's a game against a Championship team. A fourth defeat on the spin (regardless of selection) in a week where the captain has handed in a transfer request won't do much for club morale ahead of a semi final. When was the last time we lost 4 games on the bounce? When was the last time (before now) we lost 3 in a row?
DuncanRG Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Rotation means we never play our best team. Nothing beats a settled team and playing the same group of players together breeds confidence and understanding. How can anybody ever get match-sharp if they don't play regularly? There's a big difference between being fit to play and being match-fit. This constant rotation is demotivating our best players and is leading to constant underachieving. You're right about motivation and team cohesion but in terms of being match-fit, playing once a week is playing once a week, whether or not there's a midweek game you've missed.
derry Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 To put rotation in perspective, Christmas 1946, 25th Barnsley A 4-4, 26th Barnsley H 1-1, 28th Newport County H 5-1. No flying or motorways, probably train/coach. Used 13 players, 9 played in every game on heavy pitches with a heavy leather ball and in leather boots, no substitutes and players played full game. We used 18 players and only Romeu and Forster played all three.
Pamplemousse Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 There's a big difference when none of the other teams have to rotate too... Eddie Howe openly admitted that a big factor in us beating them was that our team was fresher and theirs was tired. Both had played in midweek, we rotated the team, they did not.
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 Fancy starting a sweepstake on how many will bear this in mind at 14 hundred hours on Saturday when the squad is announced? I'll take 17 (being the wildly optimistic chap that I am). In "preliminary spinning fire fighting mode" already I see, no wonder you are a Tory. What is it about you that hates the establishment (or normal order) being threatened. I am really intrigued, you pop up like a baboon whenever there is a whiff of insurrection. Fascinating. Fascinating. I think you are basically insecure Trousers. I have got to meet you, even study you because you are a one off. You are good too, a polite poster, a rarity on the internet. You are intelligent too. Fascinating.
Whitey Grandad Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 There's a big difference when none of the other teams have to rotate too... Eddie Howe openly admitted that a big factor in us beating them was that our team was fresher and theirs was tired. Both had played in midweek, we rotated the team, they did not. The converse is that we have rotated against teams that haven't and we've lost.
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 5 January, 2017 Posted 5 January, 2017 There's a big difference when none of the other teams have to rotate too... Eddie Howe openly admitted that a big factor in us beating them was that our team was fresher and theirs was tired. Both had played in midweek, we rotated the team, they did not. About time you picked up your knighthood for services to SFC beyond the call of duty. There is support and blind faith, you fall into the latter category of that there is no doubt.
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