Match Day Thread Watford v Southampton Sat 4/3/17 3.00 PM

I think the mood amongst the travelling Saints fans will be buoyant ahead of this match and as long as Claude sticks with mostly the same team I think we will start strongly

 

https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-03-02/gallery-training-pre-watford-southampton-premier-league

More pictures....they look happier when it's not raining. Bet they wonder why they can't train in the big indoor area.

 

I do hope we start to see a more settled team now, another 2 week break after this one

 

Same team as Sunday please. Would like to see sims feature though.

 

Make your mind up FFS.

 

And talking about that rubbish from Merson, here's more. Lawro has predicted us to lose 2-1. Good old David Gower, on the other hand, who still lives in the area after playing for Hampshire, says the opposite. A 2-1 win for Saints. Sensible lad.

 

Away section is full so just over 2000 I think

 

Got a funny feeling we might come back down to Earth a bit this weekend. 0-0

There's the Saints fan in me coming out!

 

Cedric points out the NegHead fans to Martin.

 

Brilliant Godders. If Puel thought/acted like that he'd be slaughtered for rotation

 

Not been around much this week @fatletiss - busy with new job?

 

Yes! I'm in Luxembourg for the week. Just woke up in the middle of the night and need to get back to zzzzzz land

Been a manic week with dinners in evenings too, so hardly anytime to "play"

I'll be back!!

 

Rather be you than me mate, sat at work with 5 hours and 2 nights left

Assume it's going well then? Good stuff

 

Before I saw it myself I was going to ask if you'd stayed awake throughout.

 

You'll be home after each shift though... a week away from the family is never nice.

 

Good point, well made... not that I live with any family but take your point. You back at the weekend then?

 

I always think Puel (like most managers) always says the same thing about the opposition...talking about their talented players etc, but this is slightly different from his usual comment...talks about Watford's physicality and direct play. And he always mentions our concentration and focus....but he adds this time that that is our strength. It made me think and he is right....we do carry on when things aren't going our way....March On in other words.....without spats and whining. It does show belief in the system...or systems (as the team can change when instructed to).

I'm still unsure about the result. We should beat Watford...but you could say that about a lot of teams without it happening....and they are getting results this season and are at home. You might hope we would be up for it....knowing how close we were to beating United....or we might be down....knowing how close we were to beating United. I'm going for Saints winning...or drawing...or losing.

 

Though this is more cheerful.

 

https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017...-part-two-claude-puel-pre-watford-southampton

I have watched Puel's interview for the written press as well...you can post my medal on to me.

1. Every player had a chance because of our crowded schedule, now it will be harder because some players may not get a game until April.

2. Asked if he felt he needed to play Martin as he has been brought in at great expense....Puel says he will probably play him in the U23 match if he doesn't play against Watford, but he added that he is never obligated to play any player.

3. Asked about Gabby being likened to Inzaghi. Said that Manolo is a more complete player.

4. Asked about Saints' coup in signing Gabby. He said that Manolo and Saints had the right profile for each other as Manolo cannot play in space and hope for the long ball. We suit each other. Gabby can understand English, but not speak it. (Oh, the irony, Claude )