Saints 0-0 West Ham - Match Thread

[os862saints]

Like to think we could get something here but they're in great form currently and we never seem to pick up points against them. 

Antonio is on fire atm and thier new CAM Vlasic could make an appearance.

[Turkish]

Good team with a good manager. Also another one of our bogey teams. Point would be a good result. 

[Lighthouse]

Part four of ‘fixtures we never win’. I’d take a point.

[Chris cooper]

We will get bullied like we do every time we face West Ham.. DcL for Everton bullied salisu in the air to every ball both times we faced them at goodison .. Antonio looks at this fixture and knows he has our back line trembling with fear ..I’m hoping with a new look saints we can play between the lines and exploit the flanks especially up the right with tino at RB and finally get a result against them ..benraima should have scored for them here last season missed a sitter ..we rode our luck last season ..high line and Armstrong running in behind will be order of the day I suspect!

[Toadhall Saint]

51 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Good team with a good manager. Also another one of our bogey teams. Point would be a good result. 

This

[Sarisbury Saint]

Always seem to draw this game at home, so I’m going for another scrappy 1 v 1.

[Pamplemousse]

They've got their first Europa League game on Thursday. Hopefully Romeu getting into them early will cause a bit of panic.

 

Think we'll win and actually it'll be quite comfortable in the end.

[S-Clarke]

This game could be an interesting pointer to see how far we've come in a short space. We got bullied by them at the end of last season.

I'd personally go for more pace and physicality against Antonio, so I'd drop Stephens for Lyanco - but I reckon Stephens will continue to start, I think he's got that slot at the mo and he'll keep it for the time being.

Romeu in midfield will be important, Diallo and JWP last season just couldn't get close. We need some physicality in there. That's still my worry with the squad - after Romeu we have no real physical midfielders.

Adams and Armstrong should keep their centre backs honest, I expect Zouma will start. We'll probably create openings, I just hope we're clinical enough.

[Matthew Le God]

26 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

They've got their first Europa League game on Thursday. Hopefully Romeu getting into them early will cause a bit of panic.

Not this coming Thursday, it is the Thursday after Saints play them.

Edited 5 September, 2021 by Matthew Le God

[JRM]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

Part four of ‘fixtures we never win’. I’d take a point.

I'm sure when we played them last season the commentators said West Ham have picked up more points at St Mary's than they have at any other away ground , not sure over what period but think since they returned to the prem (like us) in 2012. 

We've lost 6 of the last 7 games against them (home and away) 

Edited 5 September, 2021 by JRM

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Is S Armstrong likely to be back? I’d say Moi deserves to keep his place on current form but would probably drop Moussa for Redmond/Tella/S Armstrong. 

[JRM]

12 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Not this coming Thursday, it is the Thursday after Saints play them.

Zagreb away, then they have Man Utd twice in a few days, will stretch their squad,  how many players do they have on international duty? Could do with Rice picking up a knock in Poland on Wednesday night. 

[JRM]

1 minute ago, for_heaven's_Saint said:

Is S Armstrong likely to be back? I’d say Moi deserves to keep his place on current form but would probably drop Moussa for Redmond/Tella/S Armstrong. 

I read he was expected back after international break, not seen him in any training pics. 

[JRM]

The big question is have they fixed the ticket/ turnstiles issue or will we all be getting a refund again? 

Loads of tickets still available on general sale, not surprising at the prices charged, padded seat in Kingsland a bargain £70 for this fixture. 

Southampton boat show on as well at the weekend could add to the traffic. 

[S-Clarke]

21 minutes ago, for_heaven's_Saint said:

Is S Armstrong likely to be back? I’d say Moi deserves to keep his place on current form but would probably drop Moussa for Redmond/Tella/S Armstrong. 

If he's back, I imagine he'd be on the bench - no more than that. 

The only changes I'd make from the previous games are bringing back Perraud at left back, moving KWP to right back. Dropping Moussa and shifting Moi to the left, and moving Tino to right mid ahead of KWP. That's how I'd play it tbh.

[Dr Who?]

3 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

Part four of ‘fixtures we never win’. I’d take a point.

I see a theme. 😬

[Dr Who?]

2 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Not this coming Thursday, it is the Thursday after Saints play them.

Yep or the game would be a Sunday. 

[Dr Who?]

2 hours ago, JRM said:

I read he was expected back after international break, not seen him in any training pics. 

Yeah he ruled himself out of internationals so better not be seen on the training ground 😬 

[Totton Saint]

3 minutes ago, Dr Who? said:

Yep or the game would be a Sunday. 

too soon after the international break to play this Thursday

[SuperSAINT]

10 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

Part four of ‘fixtures we never win’. I’d take a point.

It’s strange how every match so far has been a “we never get anything in this match” game.

[bpsaint]

Always makes me laugh when people bank on the opponent having a European tie, cup tie, or players in a long haul international fixture that is going to result in giving us some kind of advantage - we’re Saints, we never get the fucking edge. Ever. It works against us but never for us, in all my years of watching this sorry lot.

Honestly the opponents could come down with the shits the night before and we’d still struggle. They could travel from New Zealand 48 hours before the game and still beat us.

West Ham could be in Kazakhstan Thursday, have a semi final Tuesday, and Antonio would still rawdog the shit out of our back line.

Id happily take a score draw now if offered.

Edited 5 September, 2021 by bpsaint

[Chris cooper]

7 minutes ago, bpsaint said:

Always makes me laugh when people bank on the opponent having a European tie, cup tie, or players in a long haul international fixture that is going to result in giving us some kind of advantage - we’re Saints, we never get the fucking edge. Ever. It works against us but never for us, in all my years of watching this sorry lot.

Honestly the opponents could come down with the shits the night before and we’d still struggle. They could travel from New Zealand 48 hours before the game and still beat us.

West Ham could be in Kazakhstan Thursday, have a semi final Tuesday, and Antonio would still rawdog the shit out of our back line.

Id happily take a score draw now if offered.

Nail head bosh!!!

[Dr Who?]

2-2

[austsaint]

10 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

If he's back, I imagine he'd be on the bench - no more than that. 

The only changes I'd make from the previous games are bringing back Perraud at left back, moving KWP to right back. Dropping Moussa and shifting Moi to the left, and moving Tino to right mid ahead of KWP. That's how I'd play it tbh.

I wish you were Ralph!

[niceandfriendly]

14 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

If he's back, I imagine he'd be on the bench - no more than that. 

The only changes I'd make from the previous games are bringing back Perraud at left back, moving KWP to right back. Dropping Moussa and shifting Moi to the left, and moving Tino to right mid ahead of KWP. That's how I'd play it tbh.

Would love to see this. 

[Saint_clark]

After Redmond's assist V Newcastle he'll be in the starting line up for the next 2 months.

Edited 6 September, 2021 by Saint_clark

[Toussaint]

8 hours ago, austsaint said:

I wish you were Ralph!

Minus the p doh choirmaster outfit.

[Toussaint]

Win = 1.25 points a game average

Draw = 0.75 …

lose = 0.5 …

My point being, we can’t keep trotting out the “games we never win” line because there are not enough games we should win to keep us up. Agreed it’s early, but we do need to pick up some wins we are not expecting us to. 

[Saint Garrett]

Could really do with a win, after the current results.  But I'd take a point. Would be nice to get that first win of the season, but they are a quality side, with dangerous players across their front line. 

I expect Zouma will start for them.

Gut says 0-2, but heart says 2-1.

COYS

[Jeremy Corbyn]

Redmond was excellent against Newcastle, expect him to come in for Djenepo with Moi on the other side, otherwise unchanged.  Antonio suffered a moral destroying 3-0 defeat to Panama this weekend so I think that'll turn things - 3-0 Saints.

[Professor]

We are well provided for with international strikers (Scotlnd, Norway, Albania) all scoring at international level.  But the first choice for Saints is probably the non-international, Adam Armstrong.  Who should play alongside?  Stick with Adams, using one or more of the others as attacking midfield?  Or is it time to give Aams a rest? 

[niceandfriendly]

Forster (yeh right)

KWP Stephens Salisu Perraud

Romeu JWP

Livramento S. Armstrong 

A. Armstrong Broja

Wouldn't mind seeing this, but then that's harsh on Ely and Adams who have both started the season fairly well. Also there's no chance Ralph will play Livra further forward, so forget it.

 

[Minsk]

Probably somewhat controversial but, If I were in Ralph's position, I would have been tempted to spend the 2 weeks between matches drilling the following team/formation:

--------------Forster-----------------

KWP----Stephens--Salisu----Perraud

------JWP---Romeu---Diallo--------

------Tella-----------Redmond------

----------A. Armstrong--------------

Basically, a team comprised of those who have not been away travelling on international duty, in a 4-3-2-1/4-3-3/4-3-1-2 (basically a fluid front 3).

However, we know it will be McCarthy in goal and it will be 4-2-2-2. So wouldn't be upset with the above but with Stuey replacing Diallo (in a 10 position) if fit and Tella moving up alongside Arma. If Stuey not fit to start Che to start up top.

[Toussaint]

2 hours ago, Minsk said:

Probably somewhat controversial but, If I were in Ralph's position, I would have been tempted to spend the 2 weeks between matches drilling the following team/formation:

--------------Forster-----------------

KWP----Stephens--Salisu----Perraud

------JWP---Romeu---Diallo--------

------Tella-----------Redmond------

----------A. Armstrong--------------

Basically, a team comprised of those who have not been away travelling on international duty, in a 4-3-2-1/4-3-3/4-3-1-2 (basically a fluid front 3).

However, we know it will be McCarthy in goal and it will be 4-2-2-2. So wouldn't be upset with the above but with Stuey replacing Diallo (in a 10 position) if fit and Tella moving up alongside Arma. If Stuey not fit to start Che to start up top.

I have not seen much in Diallo to get me hopes up so far, but in this instance I would say Diallo is far too lightweight for this match.

[WALK DMC]

2 hours ago, Minsk said:

Probably somewhat controversial but, If I were in Ralph's position, I would have been tempted to spend the 2 weeks between matches drilling the following team/formation:

--------------Forster-----------------

KWP----Stephens--Salisu----Perraud

------JWP---Romeu---Diallo--------

------Tella-----------Redmond------

----------A. Armstrong--------------

Basically, a team comprised of those who have not been away travelling on international duty, in a 4-3-2-1/4-3-3/4-3-1-2 (basically a fluid front 3).

However, we know it will be McCarthy in goal and it will be 4-2-2-2. So wouldn't be upset with the above but with Stuey replacing Diallo (in a 10 position) if fit and Tella moving up alongside Arma. If Stuey not fit to start Che to start up top.

It is an interesting suggestion. I think having JWP/Romeu/Diallo on at the same time would be a good tactical change (e.g. if we are hanging onto a goal lead), but not sure whether to start with that.  When we recently played Man United, we changed to a back 5 at HT and then subsequently brought on Diallo so the three midfielders were all on the pitch at the same time. Interestingly I thought that our best period was when we played with that formation & midfielders, so it could work.

[Chris cooper]

                     Forster 

kwp       Bednerak  salisu      Perraud 

   
             Jwp         Romeu 

 

Tino                                            Moi

            Adams.    
     
                      Armstrong 

 

..think this to start then if we pinch a lead 1st half then change it if we become under pressure to 5 at the back bringing on Stephens and diallo.leaving Armstrong upfront on his own for the pace on the counter …

[Charlie Wayman]

7 hours ago, Toussaint said:

Win = 1.25 points a game average

Draw = 0.75 …

lose = 0.5 …

My point being, we can’t keep trotting out the “games we never win” line because there are not enough games we should win to keep us up. Agreed it’s early, but we do need to pick up some wins we are not expecting us to. 

...and we will. 3-1 to Saints with a proviso that we must go in at HT 2-0 up. Expect an unchanged team form the toon trip.

[Saint Mikey]

6 hours ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

Redmond was excellent against Newcastle, expect him to come in for Djenepo with Moi on the other side, otherwise unchanged.  Antonio suffered a moral destroying 3-0 defeat to Panama this weekend so I think that'll turn things - 3-0 Saints.

Indeed. May work in our favour:

https://www.hammers.news/international/west-ham-star-michail-antonio-lasts-just-70-minutes-of-international-debut-for-woeful-jamaica-after-10500-mile-round-trip/

[Saint Garrett]

I’d go for the following.

 

Macca 

Tino Stephens Salisu KWP

Romeu JWP

Armstrong Adams Armstrong Redmond

[JRM]

2 hours ago, Saint Mikey said:

Indeed. May work in our favour:

https://www.hammers.news/international/west-ham-star-michail-antonio-lasts-just-70-minutes-of-international-debut-for-woeful-jamaica-after-10500-mile-round-trip/

Every little helps. International football is crazy really, long distances for 70 mins football, hopefully he picked up a knock. 

[woodsaint1]

Id go with.....

           Forster (but it wont be)

Tino      Salisu     Stephens   Perraud

Armstrong  Romeu  JWP  Elyounoussi

                Armstrong  Adams

2-1 Saints - Both Armstrongs 👍🏻

[PeteCampbell]

13 hours ago, Chris cooper said:

                     Forster 

kwp       Bednerak  salisu      Perraud 

   
             Jwp         Romeu 

 

Tino                                            Moi

            Adams.    
     
                      Armstrong 

 

..think this to start then if we pinch a lead 1st half then change it if we become under pressure to 5 at the back bringing on Stephens and diallo.leaving Armstrong upfront on his own for the pace on the counter …

Agree with this side. Would like to see Bednerek start with Salisu. Redmond off the bench at the 60th minute mark.

[suewhistle]

14 hours ago, JRM said:

Every little helps. International football is crazy really, long distances for 70 mins football, hopefully he picked up a knock. 

Reading that article I didn't realise he was 31. Let's hope playing on those hard pitches and a bit of jet lag do enough to blunt his edge even if he didn't pick up a knock.

[DT]

4 hours ago, PeteCampbell said:

Agree with this side. Would like to see Bednerek start with Salisu. Redmond off the bench at the 60th minute mark.

Me too. I'm afraid Djenepo is too risky pretty much anytime except as impact sub. Will be amazed if Ralph sees sense and picks Forster in goal.

[TWar]

We are creating pretty well this season considering the teams we've faced.

D

Dropping Adams would be a massive error given he is doing very well for xA (around the level of Grealish, Pogba, Richarlison). This mainly just shows we need to finish our chances (See Djenepo's formidable xG). Perraud and Livramento have both been very good for me so while I like KWP I'd keep him benched for now.

 

Forster

Livramento Stephens Salisu Perraud

JWP Romeu

S. Armstrong Moi

Adams A. Armstrong

 

Probably our strongest team right now, Moi shouldn't be dropped after scoring 4 in his last two for saints and then also scoring for his country. 

Edited 7 September, 2021 by TWar

[ErwinK1961]

1 hour ago, TWar said:

We are creating pretty well this season considering the teams we've faced.

D

Dropping Adams would be a massive error given he is doing very well for xA (around the level of Grealish, Pogba, Richarlison). This mainly just shows we need to finish our chances (See Djenepo's formidable xG). Perraud and Livramento have both been very good for me so while I like KWP I'd keep him benched for now.

 

Forster

Livramento Stephens Salisu Perraud

JWP Romeu

S. Armstrong Moi

Adams A. Armstrong

 

Probably our strongest team right now, Moi shouldn't be dropped after scoring 4 in his last two for saints and for his country. 

Can't wait for Ducky and co to respond to this...

[Charlie Wayman]

1 hour ago, TWar said:

We are creating pretty well this season considering the teams we've faced.

D

Dropping Adams would be a massive error given he is doing very well for xA (around the level of Grealish, Pogba, Richarlison). This mainly just shows we need to finish our chances (See Djenepo's formidable xG). Perraud and Livramento have both been very good for me so while I like KWP I'd keep him benched for now.

 

Forster

Livramento Stephens Salisu Perraud

JWP Romeu

S. Armstrong Moi

Adams A. Armstrong

 

Probably our strongest team right now, Moi shouldn't be dropped after scoring 4 in his last two for saints and for his country. 

BBB

[Scottish-Saint]

There’s now a statement on the turnstile issues at the ManU game and what has been done to resolve them. 

 

 

[farawaysaint]

Everything in our favour here. 

Westham superior all over the park, Westham second in the form table, Westham haven't lost to us in 7? Meetings... Erm what was I saying? 

[Mr X]

This will be a real test, I think they will be too much for us. That said a point against united was an unexpected result! 

Just wish we had a decent shot stopper in goal and a real no nonsence shit house in midfield that could bully them