Fonte a Doubt: Who Should Deputise?

Jose Fonte is reportedley a doubt for tomorrow's game, with 2 possible options.

Who would you choose? Cork or Martin?

I know most people will say Martin, given that it's not really much of a choice position wise but I'm always up for a good discussion

 

Martin no question Cork is a CM not a CB

 

It will be Martin, however he will get torn a new one by Emnes. I'm not exactly looking forward to Hooiveld and Martin at the back. I'd be inclined to play 5 across the midfield.

 

i should have known you would say that

 

fonte has been kinda dodgy so far this season so im not hugely upset if he doesnt play tomorrow. but obviously i would have martin over cork.

 

defo martin, we would miss cork in cm if we played him at the back

 

I would say that Fonte's fitness has not been 100%, for weeks, The fact that he's got hamstring trouble, without provocation, suggests his body is tired. The lack of proper CB cover could [I say could] undermine the form Saints have shown, thus far. January could be a long way off if Martin doesn't play well

 

Martin has started the season well in the games he has played in - he impressed me against Leeds and has done well in CC.

 

Well that's reassuring then.

 

Don't really see the problem with Cork at CB. He played there when he was on loan with us a couple years back and did really well. Obviously his presence is better in midfield, but it's not a terrible last resort imo

 

i agree - martin has deputised well whenever he has been called upon - i have confidence in him

 

It will be Martin, I don't really think there's any question of that.

So long as he helps to keep Emnes quiet, he'll have done his job. I don't rate Boro as an attacking force at all (Emnes excepted), and I think our attack has more than enough quality to unlock their tight defence.

 

Martin and Hooiveld played well together in (I think) the Preston game. Between them they should be able to keep Marvin Emnes quiet. Hooiveld even speaks the same language as Emnes, which might help!

 

Agreed. Also thought that Martin did well when he came on at half time for Fonte against Reading.

 

Dunno why people criticise Martin so much,i think he's half decent and does well whenever he plays.

 

martin! cork too good in midfield

 

If we had Cork in defence makes Nige's decision easier of who to drop if Lallana is back. That way, Cork could play as could Chaplow & Hammond. Though IMO, Martin is a CB, so play him in his position, rather than Cork out of position....

 

Voted Martin then thought we could probably do with Corks mobility to deal with Emnes

 

agreed

 

Definately Martin