Hello and welcome back to another match thread by Saintsfcfan! Saints have a big big game against Arsenal in the EFL quarter finals, only a few games from Wembley. Can we do it, of course we can, but it will be extremely tough. Saints go into the game on the back of a superb win against the snake, where Charlie Austin scored inside a minute. He may be our only goal scorer recently but my word the game was all about Josh Sims. On his debut he was superb and will surely be in contention for the coming matches. Arsenal have been playing a mixed side in the EFL so hopefully saints will be able to take their chances, yeah right, when they get them. This is a great chance for Saints to get through, don't let it be a Sheffield United. Puel will surely rotate but hopefully not too much. My team: McCarthy Cedric Fonte Van Dijk McQueen Romeu Davis Clasie Boufal Austin Long My prediction: 2-1 Saints. Let's do this lads. COYR!!!!
I would start Sims again. If the point of rotation is to keep players fresh then you have to take advantage of little surprise cameos like JS. He won't, most likely, play all that often - but he deserves to continue for the league cup. Let's get McQueen out there with him...
Hmm, not sure to be honest. I certainly wouldn't start him. I would play the same formation with a front 3 of Boufal, Sims and Long. Redmond needs a rest, he was certainly the least effective forward today.
I guess the b team will be out here - and I agree with puels rotation he has no choice. But the b team isn't good enough. Can see us competing but losing sadly Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
Depends who is available, but if we're saying that Davis and Boufal will be and Tadic, Targett and McCarthy won't be, then: Forster Martina Fonte Yoshida McQueen Clasie Romeu Davis Sims Long Boufal Taylor, Cedric, Jay, Four others Need to juggle squad rotation with the fact that this is a fantastic opportunity to get to Wembley in the new year, and maybe even win a trophy.
Just a warning to all. I've noticed one of Wenger's Boys lurking on the other threads. He'll be checking in here next to give Arsene some inside tips... ... we're watching you Connor!!
If it's an entire B team I will not be happy. Sure 4 or 5 changes. Sims deserves another start and Long and Boufal will surely start (if the latter has recovered from illness). McQueen will surely play but I would certainly stick with Cedric, Virgil and Fonte.
Puel doesn't play weakened teams...he rotates. Subtle difference. All joking aside, Puel believes in all the squad being match fit as they will all be needed at some stage.
I saw that Davis' wife said he missed today with a stomach bug. should be back for Wednesday, hopefully...