To be fair Ralph can only work with what he has got and with what the owners allow him to have in the summer transfer signings/loans. We simply won't know how tough these fixture will be until we see how strong/weak the Saints starting lineup and bench options are on the opening PL game. I am going to treat this season like I have every season since 2012 and enjoy/endure every game as it could be our last season for quite some time, in the PL.
Might also be beneficial playing those type of teams before the WC as a lot of players won’t want to get injured.
How many of our current players are likely to go to the World Cup? I have no idea who has qualified and in terms of English players it’s probably only JWP and maybe KWP who could go, both not exactly guaranteed. GK - nobody DEF - KWP, Salisu, Bednarek MID - Armstrong, JWP, Djenepo STR - Adams think that’s it isn’t it? And as I said no idea if those countries represented qualified
Just looked and it’s only Bednarek and Salisu who will probably be going. Obviously we may sign more this summer, did Ireland qualify? Sweden didn’t so if Svanberg signs he’ll get a nice break
Although wouldn’t it be fabulous if it was taken down there for the presentation and we stopped them winning it?
Actually the more I think about it the more I like it. Book the day of the game and the day after off work and get down there early.
The PL have welcomed Bournemouth back to the PL by giving them trips to Man City and Liverpool as their first 2 away games.
Only player that is really nailed on to go is Bednarek. JWP may well be going, but could fall foul of the last minute drop - the increase to 26 players really helps him though. KWP unlikely unless there is a major full back injury crisis. Salisu has refused to play for Ghana so far so probably unlikely as well. Could be quite good for us.
