Saints 1-4 Man City - Match Thread

[AlexLaw76]

Made me chuckle

 

[JRM]

2 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Made me chuckle

 

Knowing Saints we've arranged for a local Stop Oil protestor to come on between the 60th - 70th min to allow us time to refuel and have a team talk 

[John Boy Saint]

5 minutes ago, JRM said:

Knowing Saints we've arranged for a local Stop Oil protestor to come on between the 60th - 70th min to allow us time to refuel and have a team talk 

So we might just about make it home in time for Dancing on Ice - after finding the bolt cutters to remove said protestor, our second half tea break, extra-time, penalties, and not forgetting the new breaking up of momentum ploy, the players taking turns to lay down on the pitch like they have been taken out by a sniper in the floodlights whenever Man City start getting a bit too hot.

 

[danjosaint]

I'm sorry but if he does go 'weak" then he can f****** do one, biggest game of our season at least give it a shot,  I was warming to him again after the shambles of last year but he seems to have gone back to type lately, with a Wembley semi at stake surely any ambitious manager would do all he can, f*** being Mr nice guy giving the crap players a run out 

[fanimal]

My thoughts exactly when I saw the comment on Twitter earlier 

[LiberalCommunist]

If we really owe fringe players for our progress to the QF's, then give them the next nine league games. 

But don't end our season on Sunday with any what might have beens.

That would be unforgiveable, even to a Ralphtologist. 

[Baird of the land]

I got overly worked up about the possibility of changes last time round but very much wouldn't this time round.

The difference is that last time the so called first 11 were playing well. After the atrocious displays in last 3 games you could well argue quite a few players deserve benching.

[Toadhall Saint]

10 minutes ago, LiberalCommunist said:

If we really owe fringe players for our progress to the QF's, then give them the next nine league games. 

But don't end our season on Sunday with any what might have beens.

That would be unforgiveable, even to a Ralphtologist. 

To a who? 

[Ted Bates Statue]

20 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

To a who? 

To a Ralphtologist. 

[waylander]

37 minutes ago, LiberalCommunist said:

If we really owe fringe players for our progress to the QF's, then give them the next nine league games. 

But don't end our season on Sunday with any what might have beens.

That would be unforgiveable, even to a Ralphtologist. 

We played our "strongest side" last Sunday against Watford and that was a shit show. Changes due anyway.

[whelk]

If he plays a weakened side I am going to run to the dug out and rip up my e-ticket in front of him in disgust.

 

[S-Clarke]

1 hour ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

To a Ralphtologist. 

That's a new one. I prefer 'the cult'.

[nta786]

9 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

That's a new one. I prefer 'the cult'.

I quite like Teflon Ralph too. 
Goes quite nicely with son-in-laws and choirboys.

[nta786]

As I think I said earlier I’m not even sure what our strongest team but I do know that it consists of a core 7/8 who will play this Sunday and then Ralph will pick the rest.

After the last 3 games and the humble pie from the WHU FA cup game, I’m willing to just get behind whatever the XI is. All I know is if we don’t qualify to the next round I’ll have the same mood regardless of the team put out.

[Whitey Grandad]

2 hours ago, waylander said:

We played our "strongest side" last Sunday against Watford and that was a shit show. Changes due anyway.

That wasn't our strongest side. We started with Smallbone so we effectively had only ten men.

[benjii]

Broja, Redmond and Perraud in.

 

 

[Chez]

On 15/03/2022 at 09:00, The Cat said:

 

Man City missed a couple of relatively easy chances, sometimes you just need that bit of luck on your side too. Maybe we will have that on Sunday.

 

bit worried lightening won't strike twice, cos we will need a little bit of luck to beat them. 

Palace certainly seem to set up right, but even if you do, you could easily lose two or three nil. What Palace have done well in the past is break incredibly quickly and finish in style. That is where City (and all teams I guess) are vulnerable.

I still think we'll win. 

[JRM]

1 minute ago, Chez said:

bit worried lightening won't strike twice, cos we will need a little bit of luck to beat them. 

Palace certainly seem to set up right, but even if you do, you could easily lose two or three nil. What Palace have done well in the past is break incredibly quickly and finish in style. That is where City (and all teams I guess) are vulnerable.

I still think we'll win. 

What gives you that confidence? 

For me, if City take their chances we lose no matter which side we put out, just need to them to have an off day and everything to click for us, asking a lot when they have 12 men against our 11. 

[Toadhall Saint]

12 hours ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

To a Ralphtologist. 

What’s one of them then?

[CB Fry]

13 hours ago, waylander said:

We played our "strongest side" last Sunday against Watford and that was a shit show. Changes due anyway.

Smallbone in the first eleven and Broja on the bench is our strongest side, now, is it?

Agree it was a shitshow.

[Sarisbury Saint]

1 hour ago, Toadhall Saint said:

What’s one of them then?

It’s a mixture of Ralph and Twar.

[Maury Dyer]

After the Watford, Aston bloody vanilla show; am I bovvered? . Team obviously aren't bothered, so why should I lose sleep ?

[Tank]

Nathan Tella is declared fit. Hootle says " ... we have to win tomorrow and we have 120 mins in which to do it ..." there's kind of a clue as to his game plan there.

... we've got a dog's chance. come on Saints. 

[TWar]

49 minutes ago, Sarisbury Saint said:

It’s a mixture of Ralph and Twar.

What a glorious man that would be.

[Sarisbury Saint]

1 hour ago, TWar said:

What a glorious man that would be.

😂 

[Francis1947]

I think tomorrows match and the make up of the side that Ralph puts out will be a watermark on his relationship and connection to the fans.

I have been a Saints fan over over 60 years and in my opinion, this match is the most important one we have faced in some seasons now.

We are all Saints fans here and are used to " success ".....or our version of it. Success to us is to survive in the Premiership each and every year and try to hang on to some of our more important players. 

This is our chance of going to Wembley. We are clearly safe from relegation now so a chance like this doesn't come round too often.

If he has any rapport with the fans, he must put out his strongest side. Now all of us have our own views on what that is but I think someone else put on this post that we can all agree that 8 players should be included.  The options in my opinion are Redmond or Elynoussi, Stephens or Bednarek and where Walker-Peters plays.....either right back....my choice with Peraud at left back balancing the side.....or Livramento at right back and W-P moving across.

If he now decides to " tinker " with this side with Tella, Smallbone, Diallo etc I will be upset. Also Forster must play . 

All in my humble opinion of course. The sounds coming out of St.Marys and Ralphs utterances regarding this match are worrying so we shall see what the side is when it is announced tomorrow.

I have always been a very firm supporter of Ralph and all is doing at our club. Exasperated sometimes by his selections, strategy, substitutions and tactics. But always been able to give him the benefit of the doubt because I believe he is a good man and a good manager and the best we can hope for.

However, if he " tinkers " with our side tomorrow....I won't forgive him. 

   

[nta786]

 

 

 

Southampton v Manchester City: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

 

The Guardian's prediction for the line-ups, I wonder if they also think Caballero, Stephens and Djenepo will start based off the pre-match exposure they've had, or if that tweet someone posted above is true - see caption of the image, they've put every name in bold. 

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/19/southampton-manchester-city-fa-cup-quarter-final-preview

[CB Fry]

Outside of a genuine injury to Forster, Cabellero being selected would be an absolute joke.

[cloggy saint]

16 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Outside of a genuine injury to Forster, Cabellero being selected would be an absolute joke.

Don't agree with that, they're pretty much on par with each other, ie they're both very mediocre. Forster's cowardice cost us the first against Watford, for such a big bloke he always seems to be scared of getting clattered.

[nta786]

13 minutes ago, cloggy saint said:

Don't agree with that, they're pretty much on par with each other, ie they're both very mediocre. Forster's cowardice cost us the first against Watford, for such a big bloke he always seems to be scared of getting clattered.

and not Salisu’s horrendously underhit pass? I’d say that was the main reason.

[The Cat]

14 minutes ago, cloggy saint said:

Don't agree with that, they're pretty much on par with each other, ie they're both very mediocre. Forster's cowardice cost us the first against Watford, for such a big bloke he always seems to be scared of getting clattered.

Caballero isn't much worse than Forster. Neither are great but there's not much in it. 

There's some very strange goalkeeper opinions on here, but that's not unusual because people aren't generally exposed to having to understand the technical aspects of the role.

[Badger]

41 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Outside of a genuine injury to Forster, Cabellero being selected would be an absolute joke.

Cabellero starting doesn't worry me, but would prefer FF on the bench rather than Lewis. 

Djennepo or Samllbone staring are my main concerns.

 

Would like the strongest team, with Romeu starting if only to frighten Grealish, but just has to be careful he doesn't sneeze on him or MFD will see it as red card offence.

[cloggy saint]

18 minutes ago, nta786 said:

and not Salisu’s horrendously underhit pass? I’d say that was the main reason.

Forster had the chance to smother the ball at Hernandez's(?) feet but pulled out. Yes, Salisu's pass wasn't great but the danger could have been snuffed out if Forster was more brave.

13 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Caballero isn't much worse than Forster. Neither are great but there's not much in it. 

There's some very strange goalkeeper opinions on here, but that's not unusual because people aren't generally exposed to having to understand the technical aspects of the role.

I played and coached at semi-pro level, admittedly that doesn't make me an expert but I like to think I know more than most on here.

[The Cat]

1 minute ago, cloggy saint said:

Forster had the chance to smother the ball at Hernandez's(?) feet but pulled out. Yes, Salisu's pass wasn't great but the danger could have been snuffed out if Forster was more brave.

I played and coached at semi-pro level, admittedly that doesn't make me an expert but I like to think I know more than most on here.

Agree with the top point. He could also have done better with the second goal, would have had more chance of saving it if he'd gone with his foot. It's the sort of save De Gea makes regularly.

I'm no expert either, but my son is a decent keeper and is coached by an extremely knowledgeable ex-Academy coach. I've watched enough sessions and had enough conversations with him to know a fair amount about the specific techniques.

[CB Fry]

33 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Caballero isn't much worse than Forster. Neither are great but there's not much in it. 

There's some very strange goalkeeper opinions on here, but that's not unusual because people aren't generally exposed to having to understand the technical aspects of the role.

If I'm honest I not that fussed about the technical aspects. It's more about the fact that we do not need to give game time to a 40-year old who is only here because of a injury issue a few months back. 

We haven't played for a week, we don't play again for a fortnight.

There is absolutely no reason for him to play.

If Ralph thinks he is "technically" better then he should have been first choice for the last three matches, shouldn't he?

Edited 19 March, 2022 by CB Fry

[The Cat]

21 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

If I'm honest I not that fussed about the technical aspects. It's more about the fact that we do not need to give game time to a 40-year old who is only here because of a injury issue a few months back. 

We haven't played for a week, we don't play again for a fortnight.

There is absolutely no reason for him to play.

If Ralph thinks he is "technically" better then he should have been first choice for the last three matches, shouldn't he?

I said above the Forster is better but there's not much in it. Certainly not enough to describe picking Caballero over him as "an absolute joke".

I'd reserve that kind of opinion for picking Walcott over Armstrong.

[CB Fry]

2 minutes ago, The Cat said:

I said above the Forster is better but there's not much in it. Certainly not enough to describe picking Caballero over him as "an absolute joke".

I'd reserve that kind of opinion for picking Walcott over Armstrong.

Walcott at least has a history with the club.

Selecting a stop-gap 40 year old for a home cup quarter final, with no other games anywhere near, would be an absolute joke. He's not been good enough for first choice selection for the last three games and it's as sure as shit he won't be picked for the game vs Leeds either. Because he's a stop gap back up.

So yes, an absolute joke.

[beatlesaint]

1 minute ago, CB Fry said:

Walcott at least has a history with the club.

Selecting a stop-gap 40 year old for a home cup quarter final, with no other games anywhere near, would be an absolute joke. He's not been good enough for first choice selection for the last three games and it's as sure as shit he won't be picked for the game vs Leeds either. Because he's a stop gap back up.

So yes, an absolute joke.

Caballero has done plenty of press this week, was also featured in tweeted training photos by the club.

Him starting is a dead cert, the clues are there !

[CB Fry]

17 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

Caballero has done plenty of press this week, was also featured in tweeted training photos by the club.

Him starting is a dead cert, the clues are there !

Oh I get it. It's an absolute joke.

He can go and save four pens in the shoot out tomorrow and people will be very welcome to do the "told you so" routine to me. Be my guest.

But he will still be dropped for the Leeds game. Because he is not our first choice keeper. And Ralph knows he is not his first choice. Which is the point I am making. We're not going out with the best we have, we are intentionally picking second-best, second-raters. Knowingly.

An absolute joke.

Edited 19 March, 2022 by CB Fry

[Chez]

7 hours ago, JRM said:

What gives you that confidence? 

alcohol.

[Dark Munster]

2 hours ago, CB Fry said:

Outside of a genuine injury to Forster, Cabellero being selected would be an absolute joke.

Worryingly, Ralph does have a weird sense of humour.

[beatlesaint]

30 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Oh I get it. It's an absolute joke.

He can go and save four pens in the shoot out tomorrow and people will be very welcome to do the "told you so" routine to me. Be my guest.

But he will still be dropped for the Leeds game. Because he is not our first choice keeper. And Ralph knows he is not his first choice. Which is the point I am making. We're not going out with the best we have, we are intentionally picking second-best, second-raters. Knowingly.

An absolute joke.

Oh I agree. 
Playing a weakened team against a West Ham team who weren’t in the greatest of form is a totally different ball game than doing it against City. But Ralph has found his “I’m a clever bastard” handbook again and that’s a worry.

[The Cat]

44 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Walcott at least has a history with the club.

Selecting a stop-gap 40 year old for a home cup quarter final, with no other games anywhere near, would be an absolute joke. He's not been good enough for first choice selection for the last three games and it's as sure as shit he won't be picked for the game vs Leeds either. Because he's a stop gap back up.

So yes, an absolute joke.

Having a history with the club means fuck all if you are barely capable of functioning as a footballer.

Olly Lancashire has a history with the club but we aren't going to throw him in at CB for this game.

Picking a not very good keeper over another not very good keeper is not an absolute joke at all. 

Picking Walcott who is complete gash over a player we can't win a game without would be.

[Toadhall Saint]

Has the team been announced? 

[Sarisbury Saint]

Like everyone else has said, we all know which players that aren’t our strongest. 
This game and competition is for us fans. Does he really want to disrespect us ?

Formation is also important but one that’s open for debate.

I’d go for a 442.

[CB Fry]

9 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Having a history with the club means fuck all if you are barely capable of functioning as a footballer.

Olly Lancashire has a history with the club but we aren't going to throw him in at CB for this game.

Picking a not very good keeper over another not very good keeper is not an absolute joke at all. 

Picking Walcott who is complete gash over a player we can't win a game without would be.

Fuck knows why you're making me out to be some kind of Walcott fan-boy. I don't want him to play either. And now you're babbling about Olly Lancashire. Not really the issue in hand here.

I want our first choice team out there, thought I'd made that clear.

Journeyman, stop gap Callebero is not a first choice player for us. You know it. I know it. Ralph knows it and the two goalies know it.

For tomorrow's match it looks like the plan is to pick second choice players. We know for certain about one of them. Let's see how many others we get treated to.

It is an absolute joke.

Edited 19 March, 2022 by CB Fry

[Toadhall Saint]

7 minutes ago, Sarisbury Saint said:

Like everyone else has said, we all know which players that aren’t our strongest. 
This game and competition is for us fans. Does he really want to disrespect us ?

Formation is also important but one that’s open for debate.

I’d go for a 442.

Why are people making this an us vs him thing?

[The Cat]

3 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Fuck knows why you're making me out to be some kind of Walcott fan-boy. I don't want him to play either. And now you're babbling about Olly Lancashire. Not really the issue in hand here.

I want our first choice team out there, thought I'd made that clear.

Journeyman, stop gap Callebero is not a first choice player for us. You know it. I know it. Ralph knows it and the two goalies know it.

For tomorrow's match it looks like the plan is to pick second choice players. We know for certain about one of them. Let's see how many others we get treated to.

It is an absolute joke.

I want a first choice team too, but the goalkeeper position is probably the one I wouldn't grumble about if it was changed.

If we make wholesale changed then yes it's a joke. I said that before the West Ham game too.

Not sure where you got the idea I made you out as a Walcott fan boy, that's you making stuff up. It was an example of a poor selection decision that could be made whereas the GK one isn't worth getting worried about because it matters not much either way.

[Mr X]

I think we can put at least 4 past city, should be quite comfortable for us barring any disasters 

[AlexLaw76]

51 minutes ago, The Cat said:

I want a first choice team too, but the goalkeeper position is probably the one I wouldn't grumble about if it was changed.

If we make wholesale changed then yes it's a joke. I said that before the West Ham game too.

Not sure where you got the idea I made you out as a Walcott fan boy, that's you making stuff up. It was an example of a poor selection decision that could be made whereas the GK one isn't worth getting worried about because it matters not much either way.

Why change it though (keeper that is)?