AlexLaw76 Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 (edited) Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. Edited 3 September, 2023 by AlexLaw76 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevy777_x Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 1 minute ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. Replace Arma by Sule and i agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexLaw76 Posted 3 September, 2023 Author Share Posted 3 September, 2023 2 minutes ago, stevy777_x said: Replace Arma by Sule and i agree probably right to be fair. There if course a chance he is not here by this game 😞 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 7 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. On paper this is our strongest (fit) side and a no brainer. If Sulemana IS here and is Ok to play then yes you could include him instead of AA or Charly but AA is undropable right now and I'd really like to see Charly get up to speed. Also while this is my team too it is a tad harsh on Edozie who I think has done little wrong so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErwinK1961 Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 25 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. That 100% should be the team. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fanimal Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 What could possibly go wrong?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 30 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. I'd be ok with that, but Alcaraz has been really disappointing this season so I'd have AA behind Adams, and Sully (if he's here and committed) wide right instead. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex_saint Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 17 minutes ago, egg said: I'd be ok with that, but Alcaraz has been really disappointing this season so I'd have AA behind Adams, and Sully (if he's here and committed) wide right instead. Agree with Alcatraz. What’s happening with him, he looked so aggressive and dangerous last season, and apart from a few long shots which drifted wide he hasn’t really done anything of note yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRM Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 We play on the Friday night, some of the international players won't return until the Wednesday, not ideal preparation at all. Hopefully most back before then Is there a summary of which call ups we've had and where / when the games are? Would also be interesting to see which Leicester players are away on duty 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 The line up shown above is close to being optimal, but (a) I would give Lumley a try…”this is your chance lad” as Baz is shot and (b) it is essential that Martin re-thinks his tactics and messaging to the team in terms of pressing out of possession and not allowing both FB’s to be in advanced positions at the same time to counter turn-around breaks. Whatever, still think we’ll lose the game by two goals. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 Leicester on a Friday night is always fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintant Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. Can't disagree with much of that. I'd maybe give Lumley a try in goal because, what is there to lose and perhaps switch KWP to left back and see how Bree does at right back. I get that Bree is not popular with most but he had a good season at Luton in this division. Again it's just to try something different because Manning looks a defensive liability to me which we were warned about. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InvictaSaint Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. I'd say that is pretty much spot on. KS won't be ready by then but if he's fit enough, stick him on the bench to run riot in the last 20 minutes. Vestergaard is currently playing CB for Leicester; Sulemana would have a field day! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloucester Saint Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 30 minutes ago, InvictaSaint said: I'd say that is pretty much spot on. KS won't be ready by then but if he's fit enough, stick him on the bench to run riot in the last 20 minutes. Vestergaard is currently playing CB for Leicester; Sulemana would have a field day! Good point on JV, RM needs to be looking at ways of ensuring AA is left one on one with JV as often as possible. That could happen if Che is up for it and occupies the other CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmes_and_Watson Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 Martin's not likely to change much tactically, so... Bazunu KWP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Downes, Charles, AA Fraser, Adams, Edozie Downes and AA to get through a lot helping to cover the fullbacks, and give support. AA and Manning to support Edozie, to give the kid more options than just tricky runs. Stu did this well earlier in the season. Need AA to cover Edozie defensively too. No starting Alcaraz or Stu or Smallbone to give us a bit more defensive cover centrally to start with. Ideally Alcaraz on later to cause some havoc. KWP and Manning pushing inside should still give us posession and attacking options, especially KWP. Adams is the best focal point available, and has started well enough (ignoring deadline aftermath blip). Let the Martin mantra roar: PASS! PASS! PASS! 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polegategavin243 Posted 3 September, 2023 Share Posted 3 September, 2023 3 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. Exactly the team I would play. Charles was the biggest miss yesterday, we need him covering the centre allowing the wing backs and Alcaraz to get forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry_SFC Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 (edited) Bazunu; KWP; Bednarek, THB, Manning; Charles, Downes, A.Armstrong; Fraser, Sulemena, Adams. Subs: McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, S.Armstrong, Alcaraz, SAA, Edozie, Mara If Sulemena isn't ready for whatever reason then switch Armstrong out wide and bring in Alcaraz. Edited 4 September, 2023 by Harry_SFC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamplemousse Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 I reckon with THB away with the U21s, Holgate will play again. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarisbury Saint Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 22 hours ago, SNSUN said: On paper this is our strongest (fit) side and a no brainer. If Sulemana IS here and is Ok to play then yes you could include him instead of AA or Charly but AA is undropable right now and I'd really like to see Charly get up to speed. Also while this is my team too it is a tad harsh on Edozie who I think has done little wrong so far. Edozie is too poor/lazy defensively. Needs to work harder on that part of his game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Gifford Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Benchmark game this one. Will in many ways tell us the story for the rest of the season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dman Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 If Larios is fit I'd start him. Probably the strongest side we'll play this season. I think they'll have too much for us. Bazunu KWP THB Bednerak Larios Downes Charles AA Sulamana Adams Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainchris Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 There is no way that there is time for silly little training exercises hopping over broken chairs…. The whole time there is between players arriving back from internationals and the game on the Friday needs to be spent on defensive midfield and fullback defensive drills and duties - No excuses for not completely being focused on the current defensive shambles. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osvaldorama Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Agree with your line up. We need to stick with a starting 11 and let them learn to play together. Sick of all the chopping and changing. In previous seasons when we have been our best, the line up basically picks itself. I think we have a clear best 9 or 10 at least. Would love to see RM pick them and stop messing about. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Lion Tamer Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 What kind of a pre season has Sulemana had? Would be very unwise to throw him straight in to a big game like this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaptopSaint Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Dman said: If Larios is fit I'd start him. Probably the strongest side we'll play this season. I think they'll have too much for us. Bazunu KWP THB Bednerak Larios Downes Charles AA Sulamana Adams Fraser That'll be the team that lost 1-0 at home to Hull on Saturday, with Jannik Vestergaard at centre back. Edited 4 September, 2023 by LaptopSaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dman Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Just now, LaptopSaint said: That'll be the team that lost 1-0 at home to Hull on Saturday, with Jannik Vestergaard at centre back. Player for player Leicester and Leeds have the strongest sides in the division, us probably 3rd. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 I think people maybe rating Leicester too highly. myself included but they have struggled more than results may have indicated - bit like us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintant Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 I think people are disrespecting many of the sides in the Championship and assuming us Leicester and Leeds are a cut above. We learned the hard way on Saturday that we underestimate teams at our peril. Preston have been under the radar, not mentioned by anyone and sit top of the pile. Will they stay there? - who knows but I think we should discard thoughts that we are somehow guaranteed at least a play-off spot because this is going to be a tough season. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 On 03/09/2023 at 11:34, AlexLaw76 said: Bit of a way off but the game at Sunderland is food for thought. This is first of 2 big home games in a few days, and against one of the follow 'big heads' in the league. If we remain ridiculously open, we will ship goals against this lot (and ipswich). No more excuses about players having their minds elsewhere, it is the same for most other clubs (including Leicester). My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams Subs - Lumley/McCarthy, Holgate, Bree, Smallbone, Edozie, SAA, S.Armstrong, Aribo, Sully (if they are all still here, which will probably not be the case) Yes, I would have A.Armstrong wide. He is decent there and works extremely hard forwards and back and has an eye for goal. We have to inject much more tempo into our build up and old choco-wrists has to stop letting in soft goals. Replace Bazunu with Kaspar Schmiechel. Jut bite the bullet. Also, no Smallbone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dman Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 1 hour ago, saintant said: I think people are disrespecting many of the sides in the Championship and assuming us Leicester and Leeds are a cut above. We learned the hard way on Saturday that we underestimate teams at our peril. Preston have been under the radar, not mentioned by anyone and sit top of the pile. Will they stay there? - who knows but I think we should discard thoughts that we are somehow guaranteed at least a play-off spot because this is going to be a tough season. Player for player, in terms of ability, all 3 relegated sides are a cut above. That doesn't mean all 3 will finish first, second and third though. You always tend to get a side who work hard and play a system really well at the top. Last season Luton / Cov, this season looks to be someone like Ipswich. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wild-saint Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 My team... Bazunu KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes Sulemana A.Armstrong, Fraser Adams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revolution saint Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Baz KWP THB Bednarek Manning Charles Downes Smallbone A Armstrong Fraser Adams It's a bit defensive for a home game but Alcaraz hasn't done enough recently to justify a starting position. If Sulemana had a few games under his belt then he'd be a starter but hasn't played in months so he's on the bench. I think after the Sunderland game it's important to look defensively sound. Think Leicester play with three at the back so Fraser and A Armstrong both have the pace to get in behind their wingbacks. Also think Smallbone is best equipped at the moment to pick a pass out in the final third. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Box Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Leicester, Friday night, on Sky, probably raining...........what could possibly go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintant Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 44 minutes ago, Dman said: Player for player, in terms of ability, all 3 relegated sides are a cut above. That doesn't mean all 3 will finish first, second and third though. You always tend to get a side who work hard and play a system really well at the top. Last season Luton / Cov, this season looks to be someone like Ipswich. We think player for player we are better but how much do most of us really know about any of the teams in the Championship? Sunderland outplayed us all over the pitch and their players looked the equal or, in many cases, better than ours. The danger is we have been sucked into thinking we are actually better than we are. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Matty 76 Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Leicester having a very similar start to us by all accounts. A few wins by a one-goal margin followed by a embarrassing (okay not quite as much) result in their last one prior to the international break. A really interesting one to see where both teams are at - Bazunu 😔 KWP - Bednarek - THB - Manning Downes - Charles - Alcaraz Sulemana - Adams - A. Armstrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Gifford Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 1 hour ago, saintant said: We think player for player we are better but how much do most of us really know about any of the teams in the Championship? Sunderland outplayed us all over the pitch and their players looked the equal or, in many cases, better than ours. The danger is we have been sucked into thinking we are actually better than we are. Which why we should be hoping that RM’s knowledge of the league can help us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivers Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Scarecrow KWP Bednarek THB LTC Charles Alcaraz Downes A Armstrong Adams Fraser I just feel that a scarecrow would offer us a lot more presence in goal than Bazunu, and the arms could be reenforced with broomsticks, which might have more chance of keeping the ball out of our net than Gav's crisp packets. At Left Back, my thinking is that by replacing Manning with a Large Traffic Cone, we could be confident it would not keep diving in, and would at least hold its position and be where it is supposed to be on the pitch. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusic Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Personally would be starting Edozie. He has been our biggest attacking threat this season so far. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 7 minutes ago, Dusic said: Personally would be starting Edozie. He has been our biggest attacking threat this season so far. As Lady Trousers will testify to, there's lots of things that I threaten to do on a daily basis but never get around to doing..... (sorry, that's the best analogy you're going to get from me!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 This is either bad or becomes a 0-0 after 2 teams look to keep it tight and bounce back from losses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Sulemana and Fraser on wings Hardwood Bellis in CB. Charles and Downes CM Alcaraz AM Adams or Drogba upfront Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusic Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 28 minutes ago, trousers said: As Lady Trousers will testify to, there's lots of things that I threaten to do on a daily basis but never get around to doing..... (sorry, that's the best analogy you're going to get from me!) If she expected you to do everything every day then she probably has unrealistic expectations of you. Aside from the Sunderland game he has had his defender on toast every game. Influential in the winner at Sheff Weds, excellent versus Plymouth, scored vs QPR. Its him and Fraser out wide for me until Sulemana is an option. Pretty sure Fraser played wide right for Bournemouth a lot, although we seem to see him as a left sided player based on the two apps so far. Don't think Arma is suited to wide right as he always wants to be cutting in as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the saint in winchester Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Posted yesterday at 11:34 (edited) My team... Scheichel* KwP, THB, Bednarek, Manning Charles, Downes A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser Adams * free agent, so get him in - would be especially motivated to play Leiecester Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Rivers said: Scarecrow KWP Bednarek THB LTC Charles Alcaraz Downes A Armstrong Adams Fraser I just feel that a scarecrow would offer us a lot more presence in goal than Bazunu, and the arms could be reenforced with broomsticks, which might have more chance of keeping the ball out of our net than Gav's crisp packets. At Left Back, my thinking is that by replacing Manning with a Large Traffic Cone, we could be confident it would not keep diving in, and would at least hold its position and be where it is supposed to be on the pitch. Tub of lard for Bednarek would be my only other suggestion. TOL. Edited 4 September, 2023 by DT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 If we could approach the game a little more professionally, settle into the game without conceding, not concede right after scoring, just before half time, just after the break and right at the end, add in a little defending and the keeper engages brain to hand, or foot or any part of the body to stop the ball going into that net thing, it would be a good idea. If we can do this we might get a draw. Building from the back springs to mind for training maybe? 🤷🏽 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 Will be like taking candy from a baby for Leicester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloucester Saint Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 (edited) Priority 1 - clean sheet Objective 1 - Select Charles and Downes as automatic CM selections, Alcaraz or Smallbone as the more offensively minded midfielder but still helping the other two out when we are under the pump. Objective 2 - Russell Martin to meet with Dean Hammond to watch through and discuss some of the games from 2011/12 where the CMs were Hammond, Morgan, Cork (thank you S Clarke!) and a wide midfielder in Chaplow who also worked very hard both ways. Lallana was the only genuine free spirit but produced the assists and goals. Actually, he did help out Fox tbf but was often freed up if Nigel was chasing a game eg Burnley away. It’ll help him understand the types of characters and level of solidity needed at this level. Yet to be convinced that he understands that yet. Objective 3 - the two wide players/forwards need clear instructions to cut in and run at Leicester’s glacial centre backs at every opportunity, Che needs to start as a focal point to feed off. Priority 1000 - possession stats and being nice to watch. Set up dry and if it is a pig ugly 1-0 win as per the spring, I’ll be happy and so will 30k others, Sunderland forgotten. Same again for next two games. Footballing Imodium to stop the diarrhoea. Edited 4 September, 2023 by Gloucester Saint Cork, of course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said: Objective 2 - Russell Martin to meet with Dean Hammond to watch through and discuss some of the games from 2011/12 where the CMs were Hammond, Morgan and a wide midfielder in Chaplow who also worked very hard both ways. Lallana was the only genuine free spirit but produced the assists and goals. Actually, he did help out Fox tbf but was often freed up if Nigel was chasing a game eg Burnley away. It’ll help him understand the types of characters and level of solidity needed at this level. Yet to be convinced that he understands that yet. Yeah the 2011-2012 midfield was bang on it, don't forget Cork as well - he was a hard worker. Arguably the likes of Charly, Smallbone, Downes may be better 'technically' than some of the 2012 lot, but they need to work a hell of a lot harder to be as influential. I'm not sure if it's in their makeup though and it's the midfield which is giving me nightmares at the mo. Edited 4 September, 2023 by S-Clarke 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloucester Saint Posted 4 September, 2023 Share Posted 4 September, 2023 (edited) 9 minutes ago, S-Clarke said: Yeah the 2011-2012 midfield was bang on it, don't forget Cork as well - he was a hard worker. Arguably the likes of Charly, Smallbone, Downes may be better 'technically' than some of the 2012 lot, but they need to work a hell of a lot harder to be as influential. I'm not sure if it's in their makeup though and it's the midfield which is giving me nightmares at the mo. I think Downes will get his foot in, just suffering a bit physically after the food incident. Two weeks now to pack in the protein to restore what was lost and get some of his stamina back. Steak for lunch at Staplewood and lots of protein shakes. Smallbone needs to go on a similar regime but for the whole season. Looks like the club feed him on millet. If he does play in the PL in the future again, Rodri or Rice will only need to fart to shrug him off. A gust of wind off the Itchen even. Alcaraz is developing the stocky build to compete a bit more but learning the positional awareness, expectation to track runners (if he wants to play for City/Man U/Arsenal/Chelsea that’s what will expected there) is a work in progress. Good attitude though and a potential diamond. The best build for this level is Charles, and he will mix it. Back to relying on a talented 19 year old DMC which is a huge risk over a 46 game season. The thought gives me chills but hasn’t Holgate played in DMC for Everton? Might keep him away from CB positions! Edited 4 September, 2023 by Gloucester Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRM Posted 5 September, 2023 Share Posted 5 September, 2023 Based on this most players should be back start of the week, just the England u21s and Scotland lads likely to be later https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/saints-september-2023-international-guide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now