please log in to view this image Vs please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Team News: Saints: Rickie Lambert should return from an uncomfortable hip injury which left him out of the defeat to Doncaster, with the league's top goalscorer looking likely to partner Guly Do Prado, however, Lee Barnard could start for the first time since 16th April this year. Kelvin Davis is set to make his 250th start for the club, the 3rd most appeared goalkeeper for Southampton since the war, one start behind Tim Flowers in 2nd place. Richard Chaplow should miss out again with his knee injury. Blackpool: Star man of the season so far, youngster Jonjo Shelvey, has been recalled from his loan back to Liverpool after a long-term injury to Lucas. Another loan star, Wigan's Callum McManaman, is likely to start after his wonder goal against Reading, whilst the game at St Mary's will probably come too early for Elliot Grandin, the Frenchman only recently back training after a foot injury. Former Saints striker Kevin Phillips will be included in the squad, whilst ex-Pompey man Lomana LuaLua will be wanting to score against his old teams rivals. Last Result: Saints: 1-0 LOSS Vs Doncaster (Away). Blackpool: 1-0 WIN Vs Reading (Home). Predicted Saints Team: -------------------------------------Davis----------------------------------------- ---Richardson--------------Fonte-------------Hooiveld----------------------Fox---- ---De Ridder---------------Hammond----------Cork-----------------------Lallana--- ---------------------------Lambert-----------Guly--------------------------------- Subs: Bart, Martin, Holmes, Schneiderlin, Barnard. Again, not what I necessarily want, but what I think Nigel will go with. Hard to drop Morgan in CM but playing all 3 together doesn't work. Prediction: 3-2 Saints. A high scoring encounter in which Saints take the lead through Guly's back-post header, before Matt Phillips gives Blackpool an equaliser, 1-1 at HT. Saints restore the lead through De Ridder's effort from outside the box into the bottom corner, before substitute Holmes nips in on a poor backpass to rap the win up with 5 minutes to go. LuaLua gets one back in stoppage time to set-up a nervy last few seconds, but Saints hold on to extend their winning run at home to 22 games in all competitions. please log in to view this image Saints in Red & White. COYR!
think we should change it around a bit after a few dissapointing performances, so I would go for: Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Harding Lallana Schneiderlin Hammond Holmes Lambert Guly Subs: Bart, Martin, Cork, De Ridder, Barnard 2-1 win for saints though
Really, really not sure what our XI will be. I suspect that Morgan wont start out of position again (as well as he's played wide-right and behind the striker, it's been quite evident that he's just not suited to playing there), so he'll either start in the centre or drop to the bench. I also suspect Lambert will be fit to start. But beyond that? Ummm, let's go with: Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Fox Holmes Hammond Cork Lallana Guly Lambert Bart, Martin, Morgan, De Ridder, Barnard
I'm delighted that we won't be facing Jonjo Shelvey. He's a very good player and was a major factor why Blackpool beat Leeds 5-0 at Elland Road (apart from the Leeds keeper Rachubka or whatever his name was)
I really hope Lambert is back,if he is i'm confident but if he aint i'm a bit less confident.I'm just gonna sit on the fence with this one!
The diamond formation worked really well against Blackpool last season. I think we might see something like: Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Fox Schneiderlin Hammond Cork Lallana Guly Lambert/Barnard
Exactly, I'm not too convinced he'll be back. Problem is he provides so much to the team that without him I can really see this run ending. And if he's not back for next weekend against our fishy friends then I'm very nervous indeed. Not just because it's dear old Pompey, but because their home record is fierce.
Playing Cork, Hammond and Spider doesn't work, play any two and swap one later. Davis. Richardson. Fonte. Hooiveld Harding. Schneiderlin. Hammond. Lallana. Guly. Lambert. De Ridder. Subs: Bart. Barnard. Martin. Holmes. Fox.
I think so. A couple of people said he looked uncomfortable/twingy last week when with the squad at Donny but it's not a severe injury and he was only taken off against Hull as a 'precaution'. I hope he's back anyway. Hey ho, hopefully this Lambo can make up for Rickie being out?! ....didn't think so
My thoughts are: Davis Richardson, Fonte, Hoiiveld, Fox De Ridder, Hammond, Cork, Lallana Lambert, Guly Bench: Bart, Martin, Holmes, Schneiderlin, Barnard I would prefer to see Hammond and Schneiderlin start together but I think that Schneiderlin is a game changer when he comes in, very technical player and changes the way we play if it's not working for us I think it'll be 1-1. De Ridder getting the goal COYR!
Not an easy one this week.......Is Chappers still not available? Davis Richardson fonte Hoover Fox De Ridder Spider Cork Lallana Guly Barnard/Lambert We are due a draw unfortunately and I think they may park the bus and rely on breakaways....... So a score draw me thinks.....sorry!
It'd be nice to see a repeat performance and result of January's FA Cup match against them. Incidentally, Guly's goal in that game was voted Saints goal of the season 2010/11. I think from that match, Blackpool will feel they know all about us. But things have changed and we're a much improved side since then. I expect us to win, but we've been making hard work of it recently, so I am a little nervous.
I am still feeling rather sour having made the long trek to Doncaster last week to watch an insipid performance from our boys. Therefore, Sweep and I will crack open a couple of cervezas and watch the game on Sky Sports. Having seen Lambert last week and the obvious pain and discomfort he was in (wincing and hobbling along) I do not fancy his chances of being back for this one. Chance for Barney to shine perhaps. I am plumping for a narrow 2-1 win.
Dont think we are helped by the news about Suthern. Holloway will have them pumped up to get a result for him.
i agree - thought about this morning and surely they will want to go out and win it for him? its going to be difficult and i wish Southern a speedy, and healthy recovery
