Birmingham City 3-4 Saints - Match Thread

[Block41 Saint]

Downes is back. 

[trousers]

2 minutes ago, Block41 Saint said:

Downes is back. 

Surprised that we haven't "kept the opposition guessing" for another 12 hours....

And the club announcing this on social media at bang on  10:30pm makes a bit of a mockery of the 'printed press' embargo...

 

[Chez]

good news, but that won't solve all our ills, we need to get our flow back too.

This wont be straight forward. I've watched them a fair bit and I've been to a few Brum games and they have got their act together, especially at home.  They are not a long ball act now either. Seung-Ho and Andre Dozzell can both play a bit. That might suit us actually, but unless we get hold of that midfield area, then those two might win the game for them. Hopeful, but not totally confident. 

[Toussaint]

57 minutes ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

Feeling this could be a watershed game. Win convincingly and the recent blip is behind us, but lose or draw and Leeds/Ipswich could be getting in to uncatchable territory.

Potentially, but there are 3 games in 8 days, more of a watershed week and a bit. Max points from the 3 and everything will look rosie again. 2 from 3 ok, anything less and the despondency will really start to creep in. 12 games left including tomorrows!

[Patches O Houlihan]

Based on the press conference I think we'll see a midfield of Flynn, Stu & Will - the three who were pretty consistent through our 25 game run. Bree almost certainly in for KWP, although we might get Stephens on the right if he wants Manning to get forward without KWP's presence. KWP unlikely but hopefully fit again shortly (Preston or Sunderland) 

[Galway saint]

i want a win tomorrow but if i can’t have that i want bravery on the ball 

[ErwinK1961]

4 hours ago, Galway saint said:

i want a win tomorrow but if i can’t have that i want bravery on the ball 

I’m more concerned about whether RM will shake hands with the goalie at the end, rather than the result.

[Saint_clark]

Watch him drop THB as first choice now.

[austsaint]

56 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Watch him drop THB as first choice now.

 

7 hours ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

Based on the press conference I think we'll see a midfield of Flynn, Stu & Will - the three who were pretty consistent through our 25 game run. Bree almost certainly in for KWP, although we might get Stephens on the right if he wants Manning to get forward without KWP's presence. KWP unlikely but hopefully fit again shortly (Preston or Sunderland) 

I'll be amazed if THB doesn't start - and disappointed if the midfield isn't Downes, Aribo and Stu A.      Smallbone definitely needs a spell.

[east-stand-nic]

I would have to wait and see the line up to predict this. With no Downes and KWP we could be in real trouble. I think we will draw this one as we are going into a bit of a slump for 6 - 8 games I reckon.

[SotonianWill]

Finally going to an away this season (not been since Sheff Wed). Getting my vocal cords warmed up ready for this one: Football in a library, Gabbiadini and Rickie Lambert songs already performed in the mirror to a monk like rhythm. 

[JRM]

19 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

Finally going to an away this season (not been since Sheff Wed). Getting my vocal cords warmed up ready for this one: Football in a library, Gabbiadini and Rickie Lambert songs already performed in the mirror to a monk like rhythm. 

Already pretty lively on the train up, beers flowing,  football in a library being sung, whole carriage joining in , marvellous 

[John B]

18 hours ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Of course but when you're stuck with three of the worst strikers ever in Adams, Armstrong & Mara then it's not so easy.

Very true

But think of some of the strikers we  had in our promtion years Martin Chivers Ted McDougal Phil Boyer Rickie Lambert with Terry Paine Alan Ball and  Adam Lallana playing as well.

Without outstanding consistent players we will always struggle as these days as we are not producing top class players through our academy like we used to do and ex internationals like Ball Keegan Watson Osgood etc no longer come here because of their high wage demands.

So we have to see if Adams Armstrong and Mara flourish and if they do most likely they will leave.

We are were we are like most of the clubs in the country trying to progress with limited resources I have been very lucky compared with the youngsters of today as a Saints fan to see great players and great matches but that said we have only one major trophy the FA Cup which was nearly fifty years ago.

Following and watching the Saints has been a pastime I have enjoyed and I will continue to do so as I approach my 80s and this season has been great especially with the long unbeaten run and there is still the possibility of promotion although if it happens I expect us to struggle in the PL

 

 

 

[The Cat]

10 hours ago, trousers said:

Surprised that we haven't "kept the opposition guessing" for another 12 hours....

And the club announcing this on social media at bang on  10:30pm makes a bit of a mockery of the 'printed press' embargo...

 

This is such great news. I'm not really fussed who is fit and who isn't but it will stop all the tedious "is he close" nonsense. 

[Patches O Houlihan]

2 hours ago, austsaint said:

 

I'll be amazed if THB doesn't start - and disappointed if the midfield isn't Downes, Aribo and Stu A.      Smallbone definitely needs a spell.

I'd agree, but watch the press conference including the bit at the end about Smallbone's social media experience, and then tell me that an emotional manager who is a fan of his play won't be starting him today.

[Patches O Houlihan]

2 hours ago, east-stand-nic said:

I would have to wait and see the line up to predict this. With no Downes and KWP we could be in real trouble. I think we will draw this one as we are going into a bit of a slump for 6 - 8 games I reckon.

Downes is fit according to RM

[austsaint]

26 minutes ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

I'd agree, but watch the press conference including the bit at the end about Smallbone's social media experience, and then tell me that an emotional manager who is a fan of his play won't be starting him today.

 I fully support every word RM said about the vile abuse WS copped on social media.   My view is entirely down to the limitations I see in Smallbone's game and the suspicion that RM grossly overrates him.

[Charlie Mealings]

Will Smallbone has had a rough week, for reasons beyond his control. Excited to have him in back today, wrote a little bit about what he does for us in quiet. If you have five min:

https://www.statemarys.com/p/an-ode-to-will-smallbone

[Patches O Houlihan]

3 minutes ago, austsaint said:

 I fully support every word RM said about the vile abuse WS copped on social media.   My view is entirely down to the limitations I see in Smallbone's game and the suspicion that RM grossly overrates him.

There are definitely games where Will is really delivering. But right now Downes, Aribo & Stu would be my preferred midfield based on performance alone (not sentiment, politics or managing players mindsets)

[Toussaint]

2 hours ago, east-stand-nic said:

I would have to wait and see the line up to predict this. With no Downes and KWP we could be in real trouble. I think we will draw this one as we are going into a bit of a slump for 6 - 8 games I reckon.

If Bree is fit it softens the KWP blow. Bree has never let us down in my view.

[trousers]

59 minutes ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

I'd agree, but watch the press conference including the bit at the end about Smallbone's social media experience, and then tell me that an emotional manager who is a fan of his play won't be starting him today.

One would hope that RM will pick him on merit rather than just to stick two fingers up at the keyboard warriors

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

2 hours ago, SotonianWill said:

Finally going to an away this season (not been since Sheff Wed). Getting my vocal cords warmed up ready for this one: Football in a library, Gabbiadini and Rickie Lambert songs already performed in the mirror to a monk like rhythm. 

Got the Mara song now but after his last game, you might not get the chance to sing it 🤨

[LGTL]

Some of the personal stuff about Smallbone has been out of order. That doesn’t detract from the fact that he shouldn’t be anywhere near the team though:

Bazunu, Bree, THB, Bednarek, Manning, Downes, Aribo, Stu, Edozie, Brooks, Adams 

[JRM]

21 minutes ago, LGTL said:

Some of the personal stuff about Smallbone has been out of order. That doesn’t detract from the fact that he shouldn’t be anywhere near the team though:

Bazunu, Bree, THB, Bednarek, Manning, Downes, Aribo, Stu, Edozie, Brooks, Adams 

Hope the fans get behind him today though, proper social media weirdos posting that nonsense, I never understood why players have public accounts leaving themselves open to it can't he worth the hassle. 

 

Agree with that line up. 

Edited March 2 by JRM

[Saint NL]

First time this season I've woken up on a game day and not being excited for it. Hopefully having Downes back can return the team to where we were...

[david in sweden]

Last week I wrote that the Millwall game was a " must win " - (although it's an expression that I normally despise)

especially against a side who were down amongst  " the dead men "  but Millwall came prepared and got their reward.

The real culprit in Saints' horrible reversal of form must be Huddersfield  who came prepared and despite losing, showed

just how to score goals against us.    Since when Bristol City and Hull have applied the same formula with equal success. 

 

Birmingham haven't had a brilliant season, and they are typical of a mediocre, mid-table Championship side, and if we can't 

beat them ...we will end up looking little better than they are now.  Whatever the obvious success of " Russball " , it needs a 

massive re-think  if we are to retain a promotion challenge this season,  and avoid fixtures against Pompey next season.   

[Chez]

22 minutes ago, david in sweden said:

Birmingham haven't had a brilliant season, and they are typical of a mediocre, mid-table Championship side, and if we can't 

beat them ...we will end up looking little better than they are now.  

you are underestimating the opponent a little I feel. The City season has been up and down for sure. They were going really well when they stupidly sacked the manager and brought in Rooney. They smashed WBA having been behind. A terrible decision by the owners.  Since Rooney was sacked, and Mowbrey came in, they have been much better, especially at home. In the last three home games they have beaten Sunderland, Blackburn and Hull. Before that, two draws against Bristol City and Swansea. 

[SaintsFan86]

Bazunu;

Bree, THB, Bednarek, Manning;

Downes;

Smallbone, Stuey;

Brooks, Adams, Arma.

 

 

[CB Fry]

Whatever happens today, we end the day in fourth.

The delusions about us winning the league seem like a bloody long time ago now.

[trousers]

1 minute ago, CB Fry said:

Whatever happens today, we end the day in fourth.

The delusions about us winning the league seem like a bloody long time ago now.

3 defeats (and 9 lost points) ago, to be precise.

Edited March 2 by trousers

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, trousers said:

3 defeats (and 9 dropped points) ago, to be precise.

September 2023?

[trousers]

7 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

September 2023?

That was 4 defeats and 12 lost points 

#mathsinnit

(I don't recall anyone thinking we could still go on to win the league after the woeful September games) 

Edited March 2 by trousers

[Hodgey]

6 minutes ago, SaintsFan86 said:

Bazunu;

Bree, THB, Bednarek, Manning;

Downes;

Smallbone, Stuey;

Brooks, Adams, Arma.

 

 

That’s the exact team I would pick except Edozie for Brooks so Arma goes back to right wing and hopefully finds some form - Brooks coming on early. I get the Smallbone criticism and on a one for one basis and on form you would go Aribo, but for me it’s about how the midfield complement each other and Smallbone adds to a midfield where one breaks up play and the other drives aggressively forwards but loses the ball a lot. For me it’s between Aribo and Stu (and Rothwell) and I go Stu.

[Sarisbury Saint]

4 hours ago, SotonianWill said:

Finally going to an away this season (not been since Sheff Wed). Getting my vocal cords warmed up ready for this one: Football in a library, Gabbiadini and Rickie Lambert songs already performed in the mirror to a monk like rhythm. 

My favourites are the ones about the skates 😁

[obelisk]

I'm just hoping that there's been a spot of shooting practice this week. Decisions in the attacking third have been pretty poor of late.

[CB Fry]

18 minutes ago, trousers said:

That was 4 defeats and 12 lost points 

#mathsinnit

(I don't recall anyone thinking we could still go on to win the league after the woeful September games) 

Which made it all the more dopey five months later when despite 20+ unbeaten we were basically as far behind Leicester as we were in September.

Anyway, Ipswich and Leeds to lose today and we're back on the second place train.

[Wade Garrett]

Downes is back!  We’re back on the winning trail then.  Those Zulu cunts won’t know what’s hit them.

Emphatic 4-0 win.  Smallbone on the scoresheet playing in his best position.

Those Brummie cunts won’t be ‘alroight duckeye’ by the time we’ve finished with them.

[trousers]

Just now, CB Fry said:

Which made it all the more dopey five months later when despite 20+ unbeaten we were basically as far behind Leicester as we were in September.

I guess it's human nature to take form and 'momentum' into account when expressing a gut feel opinion.

Around a month ago, when we were still on the crest of a wave and before the 3 'unexpected' defeats, I countenanced the possibility that we might catch Leicester, whilst still feeling it was more unlikely than likely.

I don't think it was unreasonable or bizarre to have kept that possibility on the table at that point in time. To me, it wasn't unreasonable a month ago to believe that we could/should beat Bristol City, Hull and Millwall. Had we done so then we'd now be sitting in second place 2 points behind Leicester and 4 points ahead of Leeds and Ipswich.

(Yes, I know.... "If this"..."if that"... blah blah blah... but taking those 3 games in isolation, I'd like to think we could agree that expecting to win them wasn't such a bonkers notion a month ago...?)

[hypochondriac]

Bazunu 

Bree THB Stephens Manning 

Downes Smallbone 

Adam Armstrong Edozie 

Aribo 

Adams

Bring on Brooks and Stuart at half time. Expect we will play Stephens... 

[trousers]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Bazunu 

Bree THB Stephens Manning 

Downes Smallbone 

Adam Armstrong Edozie 

Aribo 

Adams

Bring on Brooks and Stuart at half time. Expect we will play Stephens... 

I've got a hunch he might go with Stephens at right back and Bree left back

Edit: ah, hang on a minute, is Bednarek suspended? Scratch that thought if so

Edited March 2 by trousers

[saintant]

48 minutes ago, Chez said:

you are underestimating the opponent a little I feel. The City season has been up and down for sure. They were going really well when they stupidly sacked the manager and brought in Rooney. They smashed WBA having been behind. A terrible decision by the owners.  Since Rooney was sacked, and Mowbrey came in, they have been much better, especially at home. In the last three home games they have beaten Sunderland, Blackburn and Hull. Before that, two draws against Bristol City and Swansea. 

Agree, they are good at home and we'll do very well to come away with all 3 points.

[davefizzy14]

Great news that Downes is back 🙂

[hypochondriac]

3 minutes ago, trousers said:

I've got a hunch he might go with Stephens at right back and Bree left back

Edit: ah, hang on a minute, is Bednarek suspended? Scratch that thought if so

Did he get a yellow in the last game? Edit: just checked and he didn't. 

Edited March 2 by hypochondriac

[Saint NL]

Could do with Leeds losing this early game and give us all a boost

[trousers]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Did he get a yellow in the last game? 

Just looked back... Nope... So he's available for today then... I'll stick with my hunch in that case

 

[AlexLaw76]

Pre match presser

• All games are big, we want to go into the extended break in a good place
• We will have a lot who will go away, and we want them to go away in a good place
• It will not really be a break, some will get a break, but it is a brilliant time to get time on the training pitch before the last 9 games
• It has been relentless, and will carry on being relentless
• I am really alive after Weds, and believe in us
• KwP will not be very long out, probably out for Birmingham, latest will be back after the break
• Breezy was excellent considering he was out, especially at Anfield
• I am delighted with those who started on Weds, just so disappointed with the result
• Some of the moments at Anfield were amazing, we must carry that forward
• The hardest thing is to ignore the noise about how we play
• We showed real courage at Anfield
• The feeling the players get when the risks come off is immense
• If we when playing like that, it is all so much better
• The players believe in it, and the next 12 games just need to keep that courage going
• It is not always going to work, that is life and that is football
• Some managers wont do it this way, but this is our way
• We stand on the sidelines and feel joy and connected to the team. We have so much feeling for the players
• When it does not go right, it can look messy, and getting the ball forward quickly can mean we do not get the 2nd ball
• We had a team that went to Anfield and played like that. We should have scored
• I want to be at Southampton as long as I possibly can and enjoy watching this style
• Before Huddersfield, we were dealing with aggressive opponents
• Getting 2nd in the league generated a bit more tension, we maybe analysed a bit much
• but we have stripped it back, the players know it so we do not need them overthinking
• now, it is down to being really brave and running hard with and without the ball
• Birmingham is always a tough place, sounds like a cliche I know
• They have a manager who is so good (Tony), his teams run hard and enjoy it
• I am sure they are fighting really hard, and no one wants to see someone like Tony how he is
• Mark Venus is a great football guy and I have met him many times
• They are really committed as a team, and run hard
• Birmingham are in a similar place at home like WBA, we must be as good
• I am really sorry for Will that it has got to this
• I do not like social media like this, it can be toxic and a cesspit
• I do not understand what sort of human says such things
• Will gives everything to this club, he has been desperate to play at Saints and has wanted this for so long
• He plays a lot because he is a great players
• He has fought so hard to play for saints, overcome other challenges, he is desperate to play for this club
• It just makes me angry and sad, if I had my choice none of our players would be on social media, there is just no advantages
• Everyone here loves Will. If he plays against Birmingham he will be great
• He plays in ways that are new to him, and that is because I ask him to, blame me, not him if you are unhappy
• Flynn is fit and back
• We were really worried about KwP, but we relieved when the news came back that he will only be out for a short while
• We have scored a lot of goals, but not been a real concern really
• It is not technical, but at Anfield, our chances fell to really young men, but people do see their age
• The experience playing like that at Anfield will make them all better
• This is part of the development to manage their mentality, we had more moments at Anfield than anyone thought we would
• I am not worried, because we were amazing for most part, and sure it will be better

[Toadhall Saint]

14 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Did he get a yellow in the last game? Edit: just checked and he didn't. 

Stephens got the yellow when the pen was given - I thought it was jan at the time.

[hypochondriac]

29 minutes ago, trousers said:

Just looked back... Nope... So he's available for today then... I'll stick with my hunch in that case

 

Has Bree played lb for us before? Martin mentioned going back to basics a bit this week. I'm hoping that results in no dicking about with the formation or personnel. 

[saintstowin]

No mention of shoe horns in the presser. 

[saintstowin]

2 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Has Bree played lb for us before? Martin mentioned going back to basics a bit this week. I'm hoping that results in no dicking about with the formation or personnel. 

I think in the away Millwall game. And possibly in that run he had in the side at that time of year he may have been LB in other games too. Seemed fine.