please log in to view this image Vs please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Team News: Saints: Richard Chaplow revealed on Twitter that he suffered a setback last week in his return from a knee injury, so is very likely to miss out here. Lee Barnard is a long-term absentee, an operation on his ankle problem keeping him out for a couple of months at least, so David Connolly will continue to feature in the squad in his place. Nigel Adkins has an otherwise near fully fit squad of players to choose from, and changes are unlikely. Bristol City: Commanding and influential centre-back Liam Fontaine will miss the game at St Mary's, as manager Derek McInnes confirmed after their Boxing Day defeat that his captain will miss 6 weeks of football. 22 year-old James Wilson should continue to deputise in Fontaine's absence. Louis Carey is another defensive option, him returning to the squad against Coventry on Monday. In-demand striker Nicky Maynard will start up-front for City. Last Result: Saints: 2-0 WIN Vs Crystal Palace (Home). Bristol City: 1-0 LOSS Vs Coventry (Away). Predicted Saints Team: -----------------------------------Davis------------------------------------------- ---Richardson-------------Fonte----------Hooiveld-------------------------Fox----- ---De Ridder--------------Cork-----------Schneiderlin---------------------Lallana--- --------------------------Lambert--------Guly------------------------------------- Subs: Bart, Harding, Martin, Hammond, Connolly. I see no reason why, if Chaplow is still out, the team should change. Everybody had a good game against Palace, so same again and same result hopefully! Key Man: Saints: Rickie Lambert: With the off-the-field controversy surrounding his family and facing his former club's rivals in this game, the pressure will be on Rickie to perform well. Bristol City: Albert Adomah: With Nicky Maynard looking almost certain to leave in January, a lot is expected of the bright young wide man. His MOTM display against Saints in the reverse fixture will give him confidence of giving Danny Fox a difficult afternoon again. Referee: Darren Deadman please log in to view this image Last Saints Game: 18th October: Saints 1-0 West Ham Prediction: 2-1 win. A close but rewarding night for Saints. Lambert to open the scoring in first half stoppage time with a penalty, before Jose Fonte heads home a Danny Fox free-kick on 60 minutes. Jon Stead gets one back on 85 minutes with a tap-in off the bench. Together As One. COYR!
I can't see Fox playing - he was absolutely torn to shreds by Adomah up there I can also see Cork or De Ridder making way for Hammond, and possibly a rest for Fonte or Hooiveld, however this would be my team: Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Harding De Ridder Cork Schneiderlin Lallana Lambert Guly SUBS: Bart, Martin, Fox, Hammond, Connolly
If this was our only game over the New Year's Weekend (or actually, our only game before R3 of the FA Cup) then I would be amazed if we changed anything from the Palace game. As it is, we have Brighton on Monday afternoon and thus I will actually be amazed if we don't change anything. I'm certainly expecting Hammond to play - I can see Cork being rested - whilst I wouldn't be shocked to see Harding or possibly Butterfield given a run-out. That's probably it though, as I doubt Connolly is quite ready to start just yet and I'd be surprised at seeing Martin, Holmes or Dickson given a start. I'd suggest the team will be: Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Harding De Ridder Hammond Morgan Lallana Guly Lambert I wouldn't be surprised if we finished 2011 on a real high, by giving Bristol City a bit of a doing-over. And of course if we do, then the likes of Lallana and Lambert can be taken off during second half, and preserved for Monday. 3-0 Saints, Lambert, Guly & De Ridder.
WOOOHOOO back from Norway and have my tickets ready to go. looking forward to seeing my first game in a year!!!!!! COYR's
I wouldn't be surprised if we finished 2011 on a real high, by giving Bristol City a bit of a doing-over. And of course if we do, then the likes of Lallana and Lambert can be taken off during second half, and preserved for Monday. 3-0 Saints, Lambert, Guly & De Ridder. ___________________________________________________ That would be perfect! I really do hope we put them to the sword.
I agree about Hammond playing, and also agree that it will be Cork who makes way, maybe Harding for Fox as well, otherwise same side as Palace. Expecting a comfortable win
its a tough run of games right now - i agree they were brilliant, but adkins usually likes to rest players during congested periods no matter how well they played previously
I reckon another cb wouldn't go amiss next month and we could let martin go to preston or somewhere to nurture his obvious talent. Watford's Mariappa anyone ?
Unless a cup game, I cannot see Fonte or Jos being rested for any game other than for injuries. Adkins tends to stick to the same starting line up with minor adjustments. Expect the same team from Saturday.
Hey first time poster on not606 . Have always had a soft spot for the saints but now I have gone to University in Southampton I’m really enjoying going and watching the guys play. At first about 20 of us went because we thought it would be a good Saturday afternoon but now we have found it to be a great cure for a hangover and ended up going to every home game apart from one so far (and the Pompy game). But on the game I would only expect to see Hammond to replace Cork. Personally I thought De Ridder had a good game on Monday and deserves another chance while Chappers is injured. Overall I would predict the score to be 3-1 Saints. Lambert to get a brace and Lallana to get the other with Adomah to get the conciliation goal. Maynard just isn't interest in playing football for BC at the moment and probably be on the bench.
Agree, I think these will be the two changes. Connolly will prob not start as he is only returning to match fitness. Welcome saints4life .
Probably because they are not included on this thread yet and of course are not in good form this time round so are unlikely to be looking forward to playing us at fortress St. Mary's. As they are one of the bigger clubs on this forum will they be included on this thread?
