WBA vs Saints - Match Thread

[Saint_dane]

On 05/04/2021 at 08:02, qwertyell said:

Salisu for Bednarek, who has been consistently rubbish since the turn of the year. Lost pretty much every challenge yesterday and, having been at fault for Burnley's second goal, almost cost us the points at the end when, again, losing Wood and then pulling him back by the shirt which should've been a penalty. Time to bench him.

Minamino for Walcott, who got a nice assist but is possibly the worst decision maker in top flight history. His all round performance was poor, like it pretty much always is.

Otherwise, same again.

 

Is that the Bednarek with the most amount of interceptions of any player in the premier league? 

[SFC Forever]

On 05/04/2021 at 08:02, qwertyell said:

Salisu for Bednarek, who has been consistently rubbish since the turn of the year. Lost pretty much every challenge yesterday and, having been at fault for Burnley's second goal, almost cost us the points at the end when, again, losing Wood and then pulling him back by the shirt which should've been a penalty. Time to bench him.

Minamino for Walcott, who got a nice assist but is possibly the worst decision maker in top flight history. His all round performance was poor, like it pretty much always is.

Otherwise, same again.

 

i REALLY THINK YOU HAVE BEEN WATCHING DIFFERENT GAMES TO US. yES jAN CAN MAKE A MISTAKE BUT SO CAN ALL DEFENDERS. oVERALL HIM AND vESTY ARE OUR BEST PAIRING BUT i HAVE HIGH HOPES THAT BsALISU WILL PROVE BETTER.

[SFC Forever]

sorry about the capitals

[S-Clarke]

8 minutes ago, Saint_dane said:

Is that the Bednarek with the most amount of interceptions of any player in the premier league? 

You can't ignore that he's been an absolute liability in recent games though. It was embarrassing how he was failing to deal with Wood at the weekend, and he was absolutely pulled apart against Man Utd.

His average stats for interceptions are up there with some of the better players in this league, but his recent games in isolation have been really poor. I like Jan, i think he's been a decent CB for us - but he makes me really nervous atm.

Edited 6 April, 2021 by S-Clarke

[Toadhall Saint]

RE Jan - Personally feel he needs to be dropped I would have thought he would not be happy with the last couple of outings so is probably a bit jaded, nothing more.

[VectisSaint]

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

You can't ignore that he's been an absolute liability in recent games though. It was embarrassing how he was failing to deal with Wood at the weekend, and he was absolutely pulled apart against Man Utd.

His average stats for interceptions are up there with some of the better players in this league, but his recent games in isolation have been really poor. I like Jan, i think he's been a decent CB for us - but he makes me really nervous atm.

He has been poor since the Man U game, his confidence took a battering, it wouldn't be a bad thing to give him a break, dropping him for one bad game would be unreasonable. But I also like the idea of keeping the same team as won on Sunday.

[le_tiss]

19 hours ago, LeG said:

Get the job done inside 60mins and start subbing early. 

[Dorchester Saint]

According to some on here, Walcott is shit despite us nearly always playing better when he’s in the side, Bednarek is shit and Minamino isn’t a Premier League player (he’s on loan from the current champions ffs) so I guess we’ll lose right?

WRONG!!

Don’t be fooled by Chelsea collapsing v West Brom after going a man down early at the weekend (sound familiar?)!

West Brom are utter shit, deserve to go down for their seasons performance and Saints will have too much for them, comfortable victory and a great pre-semi final confidence builder.  

[S-Clarke]

3 hours ago, Dorchester Saint said:

According to some on here, Walcott is shit despite us nearly always playing better when he’s in the side, Bednarek is shit and Minamino isn’t a Premier League player (he’s on loan from the current champions ffs) so I guess we’ll lose right?

WRONG!!

Don’t be fooled by Chelsea collapsing v West Brom after going a man down early at the weekend (sound familiar?)!

West Brom are utter shit, deserve to go down for their seasons performance and Saints will have too much for them, comfortable victory and a great pre-semi final confidence builder.  

Sounds like we must never criticise Southampton players or call them shit.

But, we can call the opposition shit.

So, if we lose at the weekend, who is actually shit?

[Whitey Grandad]

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Sounds like we must never criticise Southampton players or call them shit.

But, we can call the opposition shit.

So, if we lose at the weekend, who is actually shit?

Why, the supporters of course!

[TWar]

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Sounds like we must never criticise Southampton players or call them shit.

But, we can call the opposition shit.

So, if we lose at the weekend, who is actually shit?

If we were 19th like they are then I think it would be easier to call us shit. As we are 13th we are fine, nothing special. 

If we lose to them on the weekend it would still be them who were shit as they would still be 19th, 12 pts behind us, and destined for the championship

Edited 7 April, 2021 by TWar

[StrangelyBrown]

3 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Sounds like we must never criticise Southampton players or call them shit.

But, we can call the opposition shit.

So, if we lose at the weekend, who is actually shit?

On paper there isn't one player of theirs (in their best 11) that I would rather have than the respective player in our team (in our best 11)... There can't be many teams in the premier League who haven't got at least one better player than one of ours. In my mind that makes them pretty shit as we're not exactly brimming with top quality in every position.

[suewhistle]

2 hours ago, StrangelyBrown said:

On paper there isn't one player of theirs (in their best 11) that I would rather have than the respective player in our team (in our best 11)... There can't be many teams in the premier League who haven't got at least one better player than one of ours. In my mind that makes them pretty shit as we're not exactly brimming with top quality in every position.

The "who would we buy from a relegated side" test..

[saint1977]

2 hours ago, StrangelyBrown said:

On paper there isn't one player of theirs (in their best 11) that I would rather have than the respective player in our team (in our best 11)... There can't be many teams in the premier League who haven't got at least one better player than one of ours. In my mind that makes them pretty shit as we're not exactly brimming with top quality in every position.

Pereira is very good and really stands out for them, let’s be honest he’d be a major upgrade for us. Otherwise I broadly agree, although the Turkish midfielder Allardyce got on loan has looked quite handy and can press, so if we are in the market for a 4th CM if AJ is sold I could see that. Johnstone has performed well but could be another David Marshall/Ramsdale, GK not where very limited funds should be spent. 

[DT]

13 hours ago, StrangelyBrown said:

On paper there isn't one player of theirs (in their best 11) that I would rather have than the respective player in our team (in our best 11)... There can't be many teams in the premier League who haven't got at least one better player than one of ours. In my mind that makes them pretty shit as we're not exactly brimming with top quality in every position.

I think Maitland-Niles is decent, and would be excellent cover for when Ward-Prowse gets injured (for it has to happen, or he is superhuman) or even if we can re-persuade him about being a defender occasionally

[CollinsDic]

Bloody hate playing BFS teams as we never seem to get much against his full on tactics. Happy with a draw here, though we should win it. Would prefer to draw this and then beat Leicester.

[hasper57saint]

My old Head of School (We worked together in the School of Management in an FHE College for almost thirteen years) and his Missus are dedicated Baggies fans just like we are to Saints. Had a little chat earlier and both said that Saints should come away with the three points because the win over Chelski is a one-off. In their opinion not one Baggie player would get into the current Saints team even if we had eleven injuries! They don't like Big Sam and both wish they could have a forward looking Manager like we have at Saints.(?)  So from the opposition they don't believe we will send them down but just help to accelerate the process somewhat. I am hopeful that when I next speak to them they haven't changed their tune.

Wouldn't it be lovely if we could score a bucketful and stop these 'Pundits' forever reminding us that we lost heavily twice. Yet again Lawrenson got it wrong versus Burnley!

 

[igsey]

Kyle Walker-Peters is Southampton’s only new fitness concern before Monday's game.

The right-back has a minor leg injury after Sunday's win over Burnley, while Oriol Romeu, Will Smallbone and Michael Obafemi are long-term injury absentees.

“We had two hard sessions today," Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has just said. "Kyle had a little problem with his leg, but the rest are quite fit."

 

[JRM]

Got to rest KWP if any doubt  , keep him for the semi final 

[sfc4prem]

JWP RB and Diallo & Armstrong CM

[Sheaf Saint]

6 minutes ago, JRM said:

Got to rest KWP if any doubt  , keep him for the semi final 

Agreed. He does seem to be prone to picking up minor injuries though. Is this the 3rd or 4th time this season now?

[TWar]

2 minutes ago, sfc4prem said:

JWP RB and Diallo & Armstrong CM

This but Jankewitz to get a chance at CM next to Diallo with Armstrong and Minimino infront of him. If it isn't working put Djenepo on for Jankewitz and drop Armstrong back into CM.

[fanimal]

If he is out then Ramsay in his place not any other square peg in that round hole 

[TWar]

38 minutes ago, fanimal said:

If he is out then Ramsay in his place not any other square peg in that round hole 

I think in the two prem games I've seen him play he looked like a child playing amongst adults. Presumably he has something about him as he just got a new contract and those two games were against United and City but I don't personally think he has much of a chance. I'd rather see Jankewitz who seems to have much more about him based on the internationals, plus JWP is perfectly fine at RB, absolutely pocketed Zaha and Grealish last season when playing there IIRC.

[Minsk]

2 hours ago, igsey said:

Kyle Walker-Peters is Southampton’s only new fitness concern before Monday's game.

The right-back has a minor leg injury after Sunday's win over Burnley, while Oriol Romeu, Will Smallbone and Michael Obafemi are long-term injury absentees.

“We had two hard sessions today," Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has just said. "Kyle had a little problem with his leg, but the rest are quite fit."

 

"Kyle had a little problem with his leg....."

Doesn't sound anything serious to me. I'm sure he will be fine for Monday.

[jasonb]

On 06/04/2021 at 11:10, Sunglasses Ron said:

I'm starting to fancy our chances against Leicester 😮

Get a decent performance/result on Monday against WBA and I think a few more will start to consider we might be getting some form/momentum back. 

Oh Saints, why do you torment us so...

[SFC Forever]

Because we are the Saints

[cloggy saint]

You could look at it that WBA have got their good performance out of the way and will revert to type against us. That said, the Chelsea game showed what they're capable of so they shouldn't be taken lightly. Hoping for the win but would take a draw. 

[Danbert]

14 hours ago, TWar said:

I think in the two prem games I've seen him play he looked like a child playing amongst adults. Presumably he has something about him as he just got a new contract and those two games were against United and City but I don't personally think he has much of a chance. I'd rather see Jankewitz who seems to have much more about him based on the internationals, plus JWP is perfectly fine at RB, absolutely pocketed Zaha and Grealish last season when playing there IIRC.

I've watched him in youth games where he stands out as a cut above those he's playing against. I've been very disappointed by his PL appearances to date, still think there's a player in there somewhere.

[tajjuk]

On 06/04/2021 at 19:28, S-Clarke said:

You can't ignore that he's been an absolute liability in recent games though. It was embarrassing how he was failing to deal with Wood at the weekend, and he was absolutely pulled apart against Man Utd.

His average stats for interceptions are up there with some of the better players in this league, but his recent games in isolation have been really poor. I like Jan, i think he's been a decent CB for us - but he makes me really nervous atm.

Agree, he is not a bad player and has generally been improving for us year on year IMO, he was very solid and very good for the first half the season but is clearly not playing at his best and I think that Utd game really impacted him.

As you say he was shocking against Wood and almost cost us the game, the sort of player who you would think our centre-backs would be more comfortable playing against rather than a quicker more tricky forward. 

Some time out of the team would do him good IMO and I think Salisu looks very promising and needs games himself. 

[eelpie]

1 hour ago, tajjuk said:

Agree, he is not a bad player and has generally been improving for us year on year IMO, he was very solid and very good for the first half the season but is clearly not playing at his best and I think that Utd game really impacted him.

As you say he was shocking against Wood and almost cost us the game, the sort of player who you would think our centre-backs would be more comfortable playing against rather than a quicker more tricky forward. 

Some time out of the team would do him good IMO and I think Salisu looks very promising and needs games himself. 

It surely must be clear to most that from mid-season exhaustion has been a factor in individual player's' mistakes and loss of form. It has been an attritious campaign in a shortened season for many clubs, noticeably smaller clubs who do not have the resources to employ several high quality cover for all places. Saints' high tempo game is another factor.

Yes,  Beds is a very good player who could do with a rest right now. I'd say on the bench, in case Salisu sustains an injury.  We are stretched.

[NewYorkSaint]

Re all the dumping on Bednarek...  On the radio commentary Sunday, Adam Blackmore suggested he was playing brilliantly, candidate for man of the match (and he was critical of Vestergaard by comparison.)  Personally, I think he'll pull through. His commitment is incredible. He deserves to be in the semi-final.    But I like Salisu too. 

[NewYorkSaint]

Re WBA/Chelsea... I don't think it tells us that much. Chelsea played most of the game w 10 men.  In some match-ups 10 can hold 11 for a while. But as we know ourselves all too well, once the dam breaks it can get ugly.  I believe we'll win by at least a 2-goal margin.

[WALK DMC]

45 minutes ago, NewYorkSaint said:

Re all the dumping on Bednarek...  On the radio commentary Sunday, Adam Blackmore suggested he was playing brilliantly, candidate for man of the match (and he was critical of Vestergaard by comparison.)  Personally, I think he'll pull through. His commitment is incredible. He deserves to be in the semi-final.    But I like Salisu too. 

I was surprised at the volume of criticism for the 2nd goal against Burnley. Sure he lost the header (against a very good header of the ball in Woods), but Vestergaard didn't cover the runner in Vydra.  I'd actually put them both culpable for that goal - but Vestergaard more so. 

However, once a bandwagon has started on the Saints' forum the events on the pitch are adapted to fit whatever narrative is running at the time. 

I was glad when Salisu came on to add some defensive depth when Burnley were pushing at the end and he made some decent clearances, but he also missed a simple header which allowed Burnley a half chance. Every time I have seen him play Salisu looks ok, but makes at least one error. He is 21 years old, so it is perfectly natural, but to consider taking a reasonably solid experienced premiership centre half in Bednarek and replacing him with Salisu just before a semi-final would be wrong.   Let's see where we are after WBA and Leicester and then start experimenting (a little). Salisu needs to play more to gain experience and cut out simple mistakes - but I'd prefer that he learnt in the less important games. 

[suewhistle]

7 hours ago, Danbert said:

I've watched him in youth games where he stands out as a cut above those he's playing against. I've been very disappointed by his PL appearances to date, still think there's a player in there somewhere.

I can't really remember his performances (which is a good sign in some respects) but I think the thought crossed my mind that he was under orders to keep it simple and safe. The other thought was that he looked a bit nervous, which was fair enough considering the opposition.

[Minsk]

1 hour ago, WALK DMC said:

I was surprised at the volume of criticism for the 2nd goal against Burnley. Sure he lost the header (against a very good header of the ball in Woods), but Vestergaard didn't cover the runner in Vydra.  I'd actually put them both culpable for that goal - but Vestergaard more so. 

However, once a bandwagon has started on the Saints' forum the events on the pitch are adapted to fit whatever narrative is running at the time. 

I was glad when Salisu came on to add some defensive depth when Burnley were pushing at the end and he made some decent clearances, but he also missed a simple header which allowed Burnley a half chance. Every time I have seen him play Salisu looks ok, but makes at least one error. He is 21 years old, so it is perfectly natural, but to consider taking a reasonably solid experienced premiership centre half in Bednarek and replacing him with Salisu just before a semi-final would be wrong.   Let's see where we are after WBA and Leicester and then start experimenting (a little). Salisu needs to play more to gain experience and cut out simple mistakes - but I'd prefer that he learnt in the less important games. 

Spot on!

Prior to the Burnley match Bednarek had a tough game midweek Vs England, in which I thought he played very well. By Monday he would have gone a full week of 'just' training. Whilst Salisu does look a good prospect, as you say, he is also prone to making errors. I believe more so than Bednarek. Absolutely no way should, or will, Ralph drop him for Monday's match. 

I expect KWP to be okay, seeing as Ralph only called a 'little' problem with his leg. So 'keeper and back 4 pick themselves, as do JWP and Diallo in midfield.

I think the bigger question is the front 4, and possibly only Ings is a given. Armstrong absolutely should be a nailed on starter, but Ralph does like to rotate/rest him. Redmond has scored in the last 2, but Adams had scored in the previous 3 before Burnley. I think Redmond was (rightly) given the nod last time out simply because Adams played most of the match for Scotland a few days earlier. Maybe Adams will get the nod up front with Redmond moving back to a 10? We do tend to play so much better when Theo is on the pitch. Djenepo probably offers a bit more defensively, and certainly unpredictability. I imagine it will be very tempting to play Minamino, given he is cup-tied the following week. I am pretty sure the only reason he didn't get any minutes on Sunday was due to his international travels. And then there's Tella knocking on the door, although still probably happy to be an option from the bench. Such a nice headache to have: 4 from Ings, Adams, Redmond, Theo, Armstrong, Minamino, Djenepo and Tella. Also great that 4 of those can play up top or as a 10. Arguments could be made for all of them to start on Monday.

Personally, my starting 11 would be:

Forster

KWP

Bednarek

Vestergard

Bertrand

JWP

Diallo

Armstrong

Theo

Adams

Ings

Subs: McCarthy, Stephens, Salisu, Jankevitch, Djenepo, Minamino, Redmond, Tella (+ Ferry OR Ramsey - depending on KWP's leg issue)

Harsh on Redmond, but I just feel Adams' strength and link play will be better suited than Nathan's pace for this match.

WBA 1 - Saints 3

I called it right last week (except for Ferry on the bench vice Ramsey) and the score which I predicted to be 2-0. Don't mind getting the score wrong again, so long as it is still a Saints win!

COYS

[Dark Munster]

On 08/04/2021 at 09:43, Minsk said:

"Kyle had a little problem with his leg....."

Doesn't sound anything serious to me. I'm sure he will be fine for Monday. Sunday next week

[John B]

14 hours ago, Minsk said:

Spot on!

Prior to the Burnley match Bednarek had a tough game midweek Vs England, in which I thought he played very well. By Monday he would have gone a full week of 'just' training. Whilst Salisu does look a good prospect, as you say, he is also prone to making errors. I believe more so than Bednarek. Absolutely no way should, or will, Ralph drop him for Monday's match. 

I expect KWP to be okay, seeing as Ralph only called a 'little' problem with his leg. So 'keeper and back 4 pick themselves, as do JWP and Diallo in midfield.

I think the bigger question is the front 4, and possibly only Ings is a given. Armstrong absolutely should be a nailed on starter, but Ralph does like to rotate/rest him. Redmond has scored in the last 2, but Adams had scored in the previous 3 before Burnley. I think Redmond was (rightly) given the nod last time out simply because Adams played most of the match for Scotland a few days earlier. Maybe Adams will get the nod up front with Redmond moving back to a 10? We do tend to play so much better when Theo is on the pitch. Djenepo probably offers a bit more defensively, and certainly unpredictability. I imagine it will be very tempting to play Minamino, given he is cup-tied the following week. I am pretty sure the only reason he didn't get any minutes on Sunday was due to his international travels. And then there's Tella knocking on the door, although still probably happy to be an option from the bench. Such a nice headache to have: 4 from Ings, Adams, Redmond, Theo, Armstrong, Minamino, Djenepo and Tella. Also great that 4 of those can play up top or as a 10. Arguments could be made for all of them to start on Monday.

Personally, my starting 11 would be:

Forster

KWP

Bednarek

Vestergard

Bertrand

JWP

Diallo

Armstrong

Theo

Adams

Ings

Subs: McCarthy, Stephens, Salisu, Jankevitch, Djenepo, Minamino, Redmond, Tella (+ Ferry OR Ramsey - depending on KWP's leg issue)

Harsh on Redmond, but I just feel Adams' strength and link play will be better suited than Nathan's pace for this match.

WBA 1 - Saints 3

I called it right last week (except for Ferry on the bench vice Ramsey) and the score which I predicted to be 2-0. Don't mind getting the score wrong again, so long as it is still a Saints win!

COYS

Seems a bit harsh on Redmond who scored the winner and made an assist especially as Adams made a complete hash of a chance towards the end of the game

[tajjuk]

19 hours ago, WALK DMC said:

I was surprised at the volume of criticism for the 2nd goal against Burnley. Sure he lost the header (against a very good header of the ball in Woods), but Vestergaard didn't cover the runner in Vydra.  I'd actually put them both culpable for that goal - but Vestergaard more so. 

However, once a bandwagon has started on the Saints' forum the events on the pitch are adapted to fit whatever narrative is running at the time. 

I was glad when Salisu came on to add some defensive depth when Burnley were pushing at the end and he made some decent clearances, but he also missed a simple header which allowed Burnley a half chance. Every time I have seen him play Salisu looks ok, but makes at least one error. He is 21 years old, so it is perfectly natural, but to consider taking a reasonably solid experienced premiership centre half in Bednarek and replacing him with Salisu just before a semi-final would be wrong.   Let's see where we are after WBA and Leicester and then start experimenting (a little). Salisu needs to play more to gain experience and cut out simple mistakes - but I'd prefer that he learnt in the less important games. 

Losing the header is one thing, it's actually how he did it that was concerning because he didn't actually go for the header, he seemed caught between trying to oddly get his foot up there and going for the header. He also again seemed more interested in wrestling Wood than being committed going for the ball. I think a confident Bednerak there would have just gone aggressively for the ball and either won it or at worse given away a foul in a position that is not that dangerous. 

It was Bedenerak's fault IMO, it was simple chipped forward ball that should be meat and drink to a player like him and he should have just headed it away, instead he tried to hook his leg around and just allowed Wood to cushion the flick on right into Vydra's path, I don't think there is much Vestergaard could have done, especially as Vydra took the shot so early (which also caught Forster out), maybe he could have been closer to his man and put him off, maybe Forster could have got his feet in the right place earlier to save it, but when a long ball is punted forward and one of your centre-backs instead of just aggressively heading the ball away tried to weirdly hook it away with his foot ay like shoulder height around the striker, its clear where the fault lies. 

Then you have to remember later on he was extremely lucky not to give away a penalty that would have given Burnley a draw probably and an undeserved one as we basically battered them for most of the game, again instead of trying to win the ball or use his strength to prevent Wood getting the header he just pulled his shirt back and it was a stone wall pen IMO.

IMO he is making poor decisions and those poor decisions are costing us. 

[Turkish]

20 hours ago, WALK DMC said:

I was surprised at the volume of criticism for the 2nd goal against Burnley. Sure he lost the header (against a very good header of the ball in Woods), but Vestergaard didn't cover the runner in Vydra.  I'd actually put them both culpable for that goal - but Vestergaard more so. 

However, once a bandwagon has started on the Saints' forum the events on the pitch are adapted to fit whatever narrative is running at the time. 

I was glad when Salisu came on to add some defensive depth when Burnley were pushing at the end and he made some decent clearances, but he also missed a simple header which allowed Burnley a half chance. Every time I have seen him play Salisu looks ok, but makes at least one error. He is 21 years old, so it is perfectly natural, but to consider taking a reasonably solid experienced premiership centre half in Bednarek and replacing him with Salisu just before a semi-final would be wrong.   Let's see where we are after WBA and Leicester and then start experimenting (a little). Salisu needs to play more to gain experience and cut out simple mistakes - but I'd prefer that he learnt in the less important games. 

Walker Peters lost Vydra. He didn’t track his run Vydra was in behind him and although his shot was well struck Forster should really have saved it. It was poor from all 3 of them.

[woodsaint1]

1 hour ago, Turkish said:

Walker Peters lost Vydra. He didn’t track his run Vydra was in behind him and although his shot was well struck Forster should really have saved it. It was poor from all 3 of them.

He wasnt on Vydra, he was dealing with McNeil in front of him. Definitely on Bednarek for losing the header and Vestergaard for not shifting across and providing cover/pick up Vydra's movement. The CBs cant be passing the buck for not dealing with a simple lump up front. Will be a different task on Monday as WBA tend to play just Diagne up top with Pereira roaming around in the no10 position

[Hatch]

No chance of me watching this game.
The  pub won’t be showing it and I’ll be well mashed by then anyway  

[suewhistle]

Ooh, that's a point, the pubs will be open.. There's one in the next village that has a marquee out the back with a TV, or at least it did when it was last open. Small chance of getting a seat I imagine, but I might give them a ring.

[Professor]

The first choice starting XI looks quite settled, including Redmond ahead of Adams at the moment.  Adams' awful miss against Burnley hasn't helped him.  But in the League the club is only playing for places, whereas an FA Cup semi-final is a rare opportunity.  I feel certain that Ralph will hold some players back, not so much to rest them but to protect against injury.

[Harry_SFC]

Although I don't feel like there's any real chance of relegation now, I think winning this one would pretty much guarantee our place in the league next season. 

I'd like to see us go with our strongest team tomorrow and on Sunday against Leicester. There's enough time between games for recovery and I think it's what we need - a consistent settled side.

[waylander]

KWP likely available  https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/southampton-handed-late-boost-ahead-5284526

[Charlie Wayman]

1 hour ago, Professor said:

The first choice starting XI looks quite settled, including Redmond ahead of Adams at the moment.  Adams' awful miss against Burnley hasn't helped him.  But in the League the club is only playing for places, whereas an FA Cup semi-final is a rare opportunity.  I feel certain that Ralph will hold some players back, not so much to rest them but to protect against injury.

Seems very unlikely, he will want to keep momentum and sharpen automatism for the Leicester match. Massive folly to change things around now and he won't!

[CB Fry]

1 hour ago, Professor said:

I feel certain that Ralph will hold some players back, not so much to rest them but to protect against injury.

I feel certain Ralph will absolutely not do that. Ings and Walcott have played one freaking game, why do they need to be rested. They need game time.

And just dropping players to stop them getting injured is just pathetic and we won't do it. 

If KWP has a niggle or not 100% then maybe he won't play but the signs are he will play.

But I think Ralph would be insane to do anything other than putting our best team out and try to go into the cup semi in something approaching good form.

[Turkish]

If we beat Leicester would should rest all of the players until the final.

[AlexLaw76]

I have £240 riding on a saints win tomorrow (as the last game on my accy).  Surely we are hitting some form? Or do I hedge my bets and throw a 5er on a WBA win?