Totton Saint Posted 25 December, 2020 Share Posted 25 December, 2020 I will be glad when the team is announced. Getting tired reading about Stephens merits or otherwise compared to Salisu. We need Walcott and Adams to be on song that's ofr sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 25 December, 2020 Share Posted 25 December, 2020 6 hours ago, trousers said: I can't see Armstrong being left out? He has some sort of hand injury. Didn't stop Theo, but that's why he is a doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totton Saint Posted 25 December, 2020 Share Posted 25 December, 2020 Ralph has more than hinted Armstrong will play. As long as keeps his hand away from the ball he will be OK. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toussaint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 21 hours ago, Whitey Grandad said: Pah! That’s nothing. I haven’t played a game for nearly forty years so I must be even more rested Don't eat too much for breakfast and get some dubbin on your boots, just in case you get the call. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Keef Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 7 minutes ago, Toussaint said: Don't eat too much for breakfast and get some dubbin on your boots, just in case you get the call. Haha......and Whitey Grandad, if that call should come, we don't want you overdoing it in the warm-up, maybe a game of Subbuteo whilst the others are warming up. I would imagine if Ralph does call for you, it maybe you will be on the bench. If you do get onto the pitch.....and score......don't worry about doing the knee slide in celebration. Just a modest wave to the (non-existent crowd) and perhaps a kiss of the badge. I'm only sad we all won't be there to witness it, but be sure of this, we will be cheering our respective Amazon Prime screens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Difficult game to call this - I think Fulham are a team that have a lot more potential than their points tally would suggest. We should be good for the win and a convincing one at that, but if their coach gets the tactics right we seem to struggle to successfully find a plan B. They love a draw, so that seems a likely outcome ... 1-1. Heart says let’s have an overdue stuffing and we win comfortably 4-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 The player we will miss most today is Romeu who has become a formidable box-to-box player and amongst the best in the league. Games these days are won and lost in midfield and his commanding presence and reading of the game will leave gaps in defending and attack and have a severe impact on our automatism. Diallo will have huge boots to fill, some ask for a debutant starter at this level despite the very reassuring comments from Ralph about the new lad's abilities. Ralph is too much Mr Safety First to risk two new starters in one match which is why Stephens will start over Salisu. The enforced absences of Vestergaard, Romeu and Ings means we are unlikely to perform at our best and it could descend into a bit of a scrappy match with little rhythm from either side. The whole thing may become niggly and foul ridden and rely on moments of individual brilliance or stupid individual errors to break the deadlock. In these respects we have potential match winners in JWP and Walcott and a match loser in Stephens who seems often prone to watching the game rather than participating in it. It won't help if Bednarek has to move to the left to accommodate Stephens. I am not expecting a great game and a 0-0 draw looks most likely. If anybody breaks the deadlock it will likely be through an error by either defence, a free kick on the edge for JWP or an "after you Claude" moment by our CB's in our own box. The latter is more likely. If anybody sneaks it, expect a Fulham win 1-0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 8 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said: The player we will miss most today is Romeu who has become a formidable box-to-box player and amongst the best in the league. Games these days are won and lost in midfield and his commanding presence and reading of the game will leave gaps in defending and attack and have a severe impact on our automatism. Diallo will have huge boots to fill, some ask for a debutant starter at this level despite the very reassuring comments from Ralph about the new lad's abilities. Ralph is too much Mr Safety First to risk two new starters in one match which is why Stephens will start over Salisu. The enforced absences of Vestergaard, Romeu and Ings means we are unlikely to perform at our best and it could descend into a bit of a scrappy match with little rhythm from either side. The whole thing may become niggly and foul ridden and rely on moments of individual brilliance or stupid individual errors to break the deadlock. In these respects we have potential match winners in JWP and Walcott and a match loser in Stephens who seems often prone to watching the game rather than participating in it. It won't help if Bednarek has to move to the left to accommodate Stephens. I am not expecting a great game and a 0-0 draw looks most likely. If anybody breaks the deadlock it will likely be through an error by either defence, a free kick on the edge for JWP or an "after you Claude" moment by our CB's in our own box. The latter is more likely. If anybody sneaks it, expect a Fulham win 1-0. I agree with that. It'll be tough game. Mitrovic will bully Stephens if he plays, and shifting Bednarek to the left isn't ideal. No idea whether Salisu would be better, but Stephens is a known quantity and I'd expect Ralph to play him. Diallo has big boots to fill, but I'm confident about him today and I reckon he'll do well and give genuine competition in midfield. It's the front 4 that interests me. I was told the other day that Ralph has been informed that attacking football is expected, so I fully expect no safe option and Djenepo to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 1 hour ago, Saint Keef said:I'm only sad we all won't be there to witness it, but be sure of this, we will be cheering our respective Amazon Prime screens. 😀 🙂 you planning on Cheering on Clarkson, Hammond and May and their Massive Hunt - While the rest of us are watching Saints at the Cottage on Sky? 😇 Happy Christmas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 (edited) 13 minutes ago, egg said: I agree with that. It'll be tough game. Mitrovic will bully Stephens if he plays, and shifting Bednarek to the left isn't ideal. No idea whether Salisu would be better, but Stephens is a known quantity and I'd expect Ralph to play him. Diallo has big boots to fill, but I'm confident about him today and I reckon he'll do well and give genuine competition in midfield. It's the front 4 that interests me. I was told the other day that Ralph has been informed that attacking football is expected, so I fully expect no safe option and Djenepo to start. Informed by who? Edited 26 December, 2020 by Toadhall Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 11 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said: Informed by who? If anyone watched Leipzig under Ralph - I thought that was the default setting/expectation from Ralph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medrurkin Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 49 minutes ago, egg said: I agree with that. It'll be tough game. Mitrovic will bully Stephens if he plays, and shifting Bednarek to the left isn't ideal. No idea whether Salisu would be better, but Stephens is a known quantity and I'd expect Ralph to play him. Diallo has big boots to fill, but I'm confident about him today and I reckon he'll do well and give genuine competition in midfield. It's the front 4 that interests me. I was told the other day that Ralph has been informed that attacking football is expected, so I fully expect no safe option and Djenepo to start. I am sure that RH will expect the players to play as they have been coached. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Keef Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 1 hour ago, John Boy Saint said: 😀 🙂 you planning on Cheering on Clarkson, Hammond and May and their Massive Hunt - While the rest of us are watching Saints at the Cottage on Sky? 😇 Happy Christmas Haha. It's an age thing. Getting confused with the West Ham game. No, I'll be on Sky - Amazon for West Ham. Why is life so confusing? Thanks for straightening me out. You don't know where I left my car yesterday do you? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Surely Salisu has to get a game sometime and this is against a team in the drop zone and is preferable to having to start against West Ham ..or Liverpool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 We bought Salisu because we needed an upgrade at centre back. Sticking Stephens in would be completely retrograde, if Salisu is fit enough. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Salisu for me as he has the pace we will need when bednarak does his usual, slip, get nut megged, caught out of position etc. Am actually super looking forward to this game, think it will be a nice win but really want to see Diallo and hopefully Salisu. Kept armstong in the team as he is a usual guarantee for 2 goals v these type of sides with Theo on the other side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 7 minutes ago, benjii said: We bought Salisu because we needed an upgrade at centre back. Sticking Stephens in would be completely retrograde, if Salisu is fit enough. We didn't. We bought him to have an upgrade or option for left sided CB. He was to replace or give competition to Vestegaard who was playing like a donkey. Fortunately Vest has.ompletely transformed and so Salisu's path has been somewhat compromised. Perhaps Salisu could play today with Vest out, it would seem logical from that pov, but given he has only become available in the last.oupke of weeks it seems a hell of a risk to start him. Perhaps bring him on as sub 2nd half if we are comfortably winning (or losing) but otherwise all logic says stick with what you know and trust, especially with so many other key players missing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Could be a Long afternoon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totton Saint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 A few more minutes to go and al the speculation over the team selection will be over! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 5 minutes ago, Appy said: Could be a Long afternoon Oh Christ 😱 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 5 minutes ago, Appy said: Could be a Long afternoon That's surprising although I guess with all the fixtures coming up it's a case of using the squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue_Saint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 53 minutes ago, benjii said: We bought Salisu because we needed an upgrade at centre back. Sticking Stephens in would be completely retrograde, if Salisu is fit enough. Totally agree. This obsession with right footed defenders being restricted to right centre back and left footed ones to left centre back is overworking the delicate brain for some I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Stephens in. Diallo first start. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archers Road Stand Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Shane Long. 🙄 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsland Codger Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 A very young outfield bench. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 3 minutes ago, Avenue_Saint said: Totally agree. This obsession with right footed defenders being restricted to right centre back and left footed ones to left centre back is overworking the delicate brain for some I think. Stephens. Why? Mistake waiting to happen. Adjusting to a Fulham win Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Bloody hell. Long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Shlong hattrick coming up. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 On 25/12/2020 at 13:10, davefizzy14 said: I'm hoping Jack starts tomorrow. Despite what some say on here, he's very comfortable on the ball - in my opinion along with Jannik our best ball playing centre half. People seem to forget second part of last season, he was immense particularly the Man City home game - Jack was imperious I think Salisu will come on in the second half for some minutes - hopefully with us in a comfortable winning position. I called it right common Jack Good to see Shane in the side today, hoping he gets a goal today. I'm going 2-0 to us Theo and Jack to score 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 All eyes of Diallo. Haven't thought much of him thus far. Hoping he's going to smash it and make this post look silly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Just now, Manuel said: All eyes of Diallo. Haven't thought much of him thus far. Hoping he's going to smash it and make this post look silly. Really? He’s looked quality the small amount of times he’s had 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badgerx16 Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 2 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said: Good to see Shane in the side today, hoping he gets a goal today. I'm going 2-0 to us Theo and Jack to score How does that work ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OttawaSaint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 4 minutes ago, niceandfriendly said: Bloody hell. Long. Same as what I just said. The young players must be shit if they are behind Long in the pecking order. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 3 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said: I called it right common Jack Good to see Shane in the side today, hoping he gets a goal today. I'm going 2-0 to us Theo and Jack to score Yeah actually forgot about his playing skills, he got a lot of assists over the last 12 months so makes sense, was just super keen to see Salisu start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Just now, Convict Colony said: Yeah actually forgot about his playing skills, he got a lot of assists over the last 12 months so makes sense, was just super keen to see Salisu start. I think Salisu will come on in the second half hopefully when we are comfortably in front. Were you on about Jack about the assists over last 12 months? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 4 minutes ago, badgerx16 said: How does that work ? Its just what I'm predicting today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 2 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said: I think Salisu will come on in the second half hopefully when we are comfortably in front. Were you on about Jack about the assists over last 12 months? yeah he went on a purple patch of being an assist or big chance creator for us for a bit with his sprayed passes over the top for Ings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totton Saint Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 How can Long possibly be match fit. One thing for sure he won't be fatigued by playing too many games lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Just now, Convict Colony said: yeah he went on a purple patch of being an assist or big chance creator for us for a bit with his sprayed passes over the top for Ings Yes thats correct, he got three assists last season, I remember the one over the top for Danny against Tottenham at home, absolute class. Hoping for another today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Can’t believe Long is still a thing. Mystifying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRM Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 2-1 Fulham I'm going for. Diallo v Harrison Reed will be an interesting battle, see who has more to prove. I can't see us scoring more than 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaveloyMush Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 How shit must Redmond be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jampot Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Just now, SaveloyMush said: How shit must Redmond be? Injured Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pimpin4rizeal Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Don’t mind long starting this tbh. i did say in the summer another striker should be a priority in case ings got injured.. let’s be honest tella and lndulu haven’t really even had the presence to touch the ball a lot so far.. at least long is combative and makes his presence known.. also with Adams strong hold up play he has a bit of speed to maybe get on the end of some of the moves.. walcott could have been a option I guess but using him up front probably also weakens the number ten position where he’s playing well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 insurance bet applied 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baird of the land Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Would have preferred to see one of youngsters starting ahead of long. Fingers crossed he looks more effective than of late. shame vest is missing. Had to be Stephens in really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 yeah am ok about long, he will be raring to go, will be assuming he will play the adams role while che does the ings role but knowing our luck it will be the other way around. Expect Theo and Armstrong to get chances as the Fulham defence gets dragged all over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 Replacing Ings and Vestergarrd with Stephens and Long. Strength in depth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 26 December, 2020 Share Posted 26 December, 2020 I think a point would be a decent result. They outplayed Liverpool recently and our spine and bench looks pretty Championship today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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