I agree. Our weak link is our defence. You don't even need to have watched us this season to come to that conclusion, just look at the goals against column in the league table. So to only play 1 up front isn't exactly taking advantage of that. For sure, playing an extra man in midfield to restrict a decent-passing side can often be a handy tactic, but I really think West Ham would be better off playing two up top.
Without Lallana, this is my favoured formation - and would probably be the XI I'd go with too. However I don't think Morgan should - or will - be at the back of the diamond. I really do get the feeling that Adkins is trying to shape him into more of an attacking midfielder, whilst I've never been too sure about his ability to just sit in front of the CBs and break up the play. So on both counts, I'd have Cork or Hammond (probably Hammond) in that role just in front of the CBs. Fingers crossed though that Lallana is fit.
I wouldn't play Chaplow after his performance yesterday. Not being harsh just what I saw - he kept giving it away and his first touch was shocking. He seems better as an impact player.
It's the kind of approach you'd expect from a bottom-half team who would be happy to come to St Mary's and get a draw. But as Adkins has said so many times this season, our high stamina will help us break them down in the end. I think Big Sam needs to go over his homework.
Just a bit OT but Leicester have just gone 1 down to Brum. Matt Mills sent off for a two footed lunge. An hour gone so things could still change.
If Richardson doesn't make it who would you put at right back, Butterfield, Cork, or another combination?
Half time Leicester game. They showed yesterdays goals and had a chat about the top Championship teams. Claridge and Savage singing Saints praises. Claridge even went so far as to say maybe people will see us as the real deal for this season. Something along those lines.
A couple of times recently Claridge has said we look like we could be the real deal, but cannot bring himself forward to say that we are it yet. We have a long way to go yet, so he is probably right to keep his reservations, as should we. It would not take much to swing the balance, critical injuries to Lala or Lambo would make a big impact.
Claridge has seen us at SMS a few times and has said this before. The advantage that Savage and Claridge have is that they are not Saints fans. We know that Saints are a good team and may be the best in the Championship, we have been top for weeks, and are still 2 points ahead of second, and yet we are all about 1 cm from running around tearing out our hair and screaming: We're doomed, we're doomed. Part of being a Saints fan.
Just watching Arsenal game..the free kicks from both teams are rubbish. Ricky would die of shame if he skyed his shots like that. Even Theo's was feet over.
I mostly agree. The odd game without Lallana and Lambo we could cope, but they are clearly so instrumental that long term yeh, would be a blow. January signings?
I'd play Schneiderlin, especially if West Ham plan on playing tight. He has the ideas and the creativity to pick holes and work defenders. With time on the ball he can work his magic. However if West Ham attack us and play more assertively, Hammond may be more suitable. I'm hoping Lallana is fit for this one.
Am generally happy with NA's team selection and will trust him again against the 'ammers. Close game but a win for Saints 2-1. Any team thinking they can win at St Mary's is deluded. Most would settle for a draw the way we were prepared to yesterday at Derby. COYS
I'm hoping that all teams that come to St Marys arrive with the idea that they're going to attack, because if they do, they will come unstuck. Unfortunately, as early as this this weekend, Derby, at home, tried to shut up shop, after they scored and couldn't keep us out. But they certainly lessened the chances of Saints braking them down, even though we had the majority of the possession. If that has already begun to happen in October, at Away matches, it cannot be long before teams come to St Marys purely for a draw. And one or two teams may eventually get one. But not West Ham..! Saints to win. Don't care about the score.
If richardson dosn't make it id play butterfield, no way would i play cork there after his last display there and the fact we would lose so much in midfield. Im going for a saints win, they may be a better team on paper but we our more of a unit. Their wage bill must be at least triple ours if you look at it, its madness.
