WBA 0-0 Saints - SF 1st Leg Match Thread

[ErwinK1961]

2 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

I'm not so sure that would be a good thing. They are in great form and the only side in the playoffs that we haven't beaten twice. 

They’re in exactly the same form as we are - 9 points from last 6 games.

[Farmer Saint]

I don't know why everyone thinks today is going to be easy. It will NOT be easy - this division is full of hard to call games - especially when you get to the top 6. West Brom are a good outfit and will push us all the way. Not easy. 

West Brom 0 - 4 Saints. 

[Farmer Saint]

27 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

I really hope Norwich win in the other game

To be fair, I think #Martino has the edge on Leeds. 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Got a feeling we’ll lose this 1-0. Hope I’m wrong. 

[lambtiss]

14 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

They’re in exactly the same form as we are - 9 points from last 6 games.

Exactly my point, their form over the last 6 matches is much better than Leeds

[Dusic]

Doesnt look like Adams has travelled.

[saintant]

9 minutes ago, Behind Enemy Lines said:

Got a feeling we’ll lose this 1-0. Hope I’m wrong. 

Won't be a disaster.

[saintant]

1 minute ago, Dusic said:

Doesnt look like Adams has travelled.

Mara up front then.

[CB Fry]

Anything from two nil defeat upwards we can work with second leg.

Has to be an absolute car crash for us not to still be in it for the home tie.

[Midfield_General]

3 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Doesnt look like Adams has travelled.

Ugh. In which case I think I'd actually rather chance it with Sulemana down the middle for the first 70 mins, and then throw Stewart on rather than move A Arma from where he's effective to where he's not, or have Mara anywhere on the pitch. At least if it's Sully his pace presents some sort of threat running in behind on the counter. 

[for_heaven's_Saint]

7 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Doesnt look like Adams has travelled.

Going from what Alfie House said?

[Dusic]

Will be an interesting selection. Could either play Mara or Sulemana with Arma in the 352 or add Brooks and Fraser in the 433 but would likely mean either Stephens at LB or THB at RB as am sure that all 3 CBs will be in the line up.

[Dusic]

Just now, for_heaven's_Saint said:

Going from what Alfie House said?

No, he wasn't in the club video of the players arriving.

[AlexLaw76]

 

[Osvaldorama]

Wishing everyone well, no matter the result. 
 

Hope everyone’s enjoying the sunshine. 
 

Up the fucking saints. 

[Micky]

5 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Anything from two nil defeat upwards we can work with second leg.

Has to be an absolute car crash for us not to still be in it for the home tie.

This is the crux of the matter, you can predict any scoreline you want, but the bottom line is the manager and players will want to be in the game for the second leg.  This one could be a cagey affair that sees us sit in a bit. 

[Sheaf Saint]

2 minutes ago, Micky said:

This is the crux of the matter, you can predict any scoreline you want, but the bottom line is the manager and players will want to be in the game for the second leg.  This one could be a cagey affair that sees us sit in a bit. 

So what you're saying is we should abandon our usual, high-tempo, dynamic attacking game and just pass it around at the back a bit more, yeah?

[Sheaf Saint]

Mara starts

[trousers]

[beatlesaint]

1 minute ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Mara starts

FFS !!

I bloody knew that stuff about Adams was bullshit. Hopefully get him fit by Friday 

Edited 12 May, 2024 by beatlesaint

[lambtiss]

Just now, trousers said:

Mara, FFS 

[Micky]

Nope, what I'm saying is be pragmatic, attack at the right times, shut up shop if we need to, don't be afraid to play it long now and again (last weeks winning goal), but above all get back to SMS with either something to attack, or something to defend. 

[davefizzy14]

To be fair to Mara, he had a good game last time we played them.

[LGTL]

I mean honestly. Talk about how to take all the enthusiasm out of the fan base. How can he possibly think starting that useless idiot is the right call?

[Toadhall Saint]

He must be brilliant in training!

[Saint NL]

Playing with 10 men is a bold tactic.

5 at the back is here to stay it seems.

[trousers]

The tinkerman strikes again....

Edit: on reflection, poor choice of phrase. Ignore me

Edited 12 May, 2024 by trousers

[DT]

Mara. What the actual fuck?

just don’t get it. He has been absolutely garbage. So often I look at the teams Martin selects and just think WHY?

Edited 12 May, 2024 by DT

[Micky]

5 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

So what you're saying is we should abandon our usual, high-tempo, dynamic attacking game and just pass it around at the back a bit more, yeah?

Nope, what I'm saying is be pragmatic, attack at the right times, shut up shop if we need to, don't be afraid to play it long now and again (last weeks winning goal), but above all get back to SMS with either something to attack, or something to defend. 

[lambtiss]

Mara = zero ball retention 

[Midfield_General]

2 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Mara starts

Right, well, this is his chance isn't it. If he can't rouse himself to actually look like he's trying in this one, then there is literally no hope for him.

Time to step up or fuck off. 

[saintant]

Mara played 82 minutes in the 2-0 win at West Brom so he was always going to be the replacement for Adams.

[Suhari]

Mara it is then.

C'mon Seku. Stand up strong and make your mum proud.

 

 

(Like she does for me).

[James]

Mara…jesus wept.

[Block41 Saint]

Starting with 10 men then. 😫

[Midfield_General]

1 minute ago, trousers said:

The tinkerman strikes again....

Not through choice, to be fair to him. If Adams was fit he would have played him. 

[notnowcato]

It was obviously going to be Mara if Adams was out. 
2 up top will suit Sekou. 

Edited 12 May, 2024 by notnowcato

[ErwinK1961]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

The tinkerman strikes again....

I know right, I can’t believe he’s made *checks notes*.. 1 (enforced) change from the last match.

[James]

Just now, Midfield_General said:

Not through choice, to be fair to him. If Adams was fit he would have played him. 

He could have changed back to another formation, played Armstrong through the middle and brought in Fraser or Brooks. Not as if bringing in Mara was his only chance option….

[RedWillie]

Mara to score first....

[macca155]

I guess Mara is starting as Adams is crocked, and he won't risk Stewart for 70+ minutes.

The only other option is Armstrong up front and that doesn't work.

Seems a pretty defensive line up, which is fair enough for the away play off game.

 

[Chewy]

Mara … sub-optimal for sure, but if we’re playing that formation (which I’m happy with), the other options were basically him, Kamaldeen (equally lazy and crap), Stewart (not fit enough I assume), a youth player who’s never played, or a winger such as Fraser.

Awful options. I’d probably start Fraser as at least he can finish but our recruitment failings come home to roost again.

[James]

1 minute ago, notnowcato said:

It was obviously going to be Mara if Adams was out. 
2 up top will suit Sekou. 

On what basis have you drawn that conclusion? 

[AlexLaw76]

sadly, Mara is in....ffs..

I hope he has an off day and puts in a shift...

[saintant]

If Mara doesn't cut it I hope RM will be brave enough to sub him for Stewart early in the game. We can't afford any passengers in this match.

[Wade Garrett]

Mara’s attitude and application has been disgraceful.  I would rather play the fucking kitman.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

If we want to play this formation, and Che is injured, we don’t really have many other options. Come on Mara, today’s the day. 

[Saint_clark]

Mara to score a hat trick and shut everyone up.

Edited 12 May, 2024 by Saint_clark

[Lee On Solent Saint]

1 minute ago, James said:

He could have changed back to another formation, played Armstrong through the middle and brought in Fraser or Brooks. Not as if bringing in Mara was his only chance option….

Armstrong up top is just as shite as putting Mara there.

[SNSUN]

Bit nervous about this but need to keep it tight at the Hawthorns so the 3 at the back (which worked against Leeds) is the correct decision. If Mara offers one legacy to this club though in his time here, it can be getting us promoted. He has the tools, he just needs to work harder.