My turn then. Whoever is able to stop the rot with their next match thread, I salute you. I fear it won't be me. I was ever faithful, despite relegation, that SR would turn things around eventually. But I fear that this is just one managerial cock-up too many. By the time the damage is done, and RM is replaced, we might have an outside chance of getting the playoffs, but failure to get promoted this season will be the final nail in the coffin. On that cheery note, on to the team selection. Charles at DM with Downes and Charly. That is the midfield that's going to get us back on our feet. Good to know Adarma can do a job filling in at CAM, but he isn't the long-term solution. I pray that Bednarek is fit, otherwise it will have to be Holgate. To be honest I'm not as negative towards the guy as others. Sh*t debut yes, but he was thrown into a makeshift team with car crash tactics. All of our CBs will be okay if we just stop with the kamikaze football. Edozie, Stuie, and Adams as the front three. Fraser and SAA impact subs. Three times this season we've conceded from our own corners. I very much doubt if other teams manage that kind of nonsense over a whole season. It feels like RM has a massive job to do, turning us around. But he really doesn't. We just need to cut out the daft stuff. Hit it long sometimes too, so that teams don't f*cking press us as much. We're too predictable. Anyway. speaking of predictions, I reckon it will be another four goals conceded in this one. We might score a couple though.
2-3. We will concede early. Struggle to regroup. Let in another. Begin to fight back. Let in a third. Late consolation in front of half empty ground.
Charles at DM please. No proper DM and another 3+ goals conceded would really test my 'judge in October' resolve.
Southampton v Ipswich Town (19:45) Referee: JOSH SMITH {https://www.whoscored.com/Referees/1375/Show/Josh-Smith} Assistants: Matthew Jones and Sam Lewis Fourth Official : Lee Swabey
Needs to be a win. Probably won’t be. Martins ‘Play like that and we will be fine’ comment has me thinking what his definition of fine is. Because for me a fine season is automatic promotion or narrowly missing out in a valiant effort, where you would be disappointed (if we lose in the play offs) but you could feel the team had given their all. I don’t see us finishing in the top 3 as things stand.
I don't think a win is an essential tbh, it's more about the setup and defensive performance for me. I'd defo take a 0-0 or 1-1 if offered now.
What are the odds on Southampton keeping a clean sheet. The odds must be lengthening with each match!
