Bit early for a mtach thread but assuming Adam and Jos are fit does Nigel keep the same team on Saturday? I'd be tempted to start with Sharp and have Lee on the bench. Views?
I would have thought Lee might be a better 'imapct player', so possibly. Wouldn't want to change much else though, although I wouldn't be surprised if Punch plays for Lala as a precautionary measure.
Previously I thought Sharp should start and Lee come on to provide speed when the opposition tired, but Lee started against Watford and seems to be tougher than we might think. Adkins obviously rates him, so wouldn't be surprised if he started.
Lee might be prefered away from home because of his pace and I think that this may have something to do with Sharp remaining on the bench vs Watford, however I think Adkins is giving Sharp some time to get fit an injury free. I believe he has niggling injuries from when he was at Doncaster, and we probably won't see the very best of Sharp until he is fully fit (Lambert style). That's not to say that I don't think Sharp has a part to play this season. Of course if Lamberts going to be rested (to protect his ankle) then we might see Sharp and Lee start (not forgetting Connolly). Guly should be back in contention, although it is an away game. So if Lallana does miss out, I'd like to see us start with Puncheon and Chaplow with De Ridder or Falque on the bench. We have some really good attacking options now. If Lambert and Lallana are not in the team we will miss them but it shouldn't be the struggle it was around Christmas when they were out of the team.
Lee won't start, he's playing for Japan this week so may not be in the squad at all. Sharp will start. Also, what about Richardson, will he be fit for Saturday?
Good point. Sharp it is then...shame because Chung was getting better and better. I would have thought Richardson would be back because I thought he was in contention for the Watford game. But Adkins likes to keep things under wraps so we probably won't find out until the team sheet is released on Saturday. I won't be worried if it's Butters instead though.
He has been for a world cup qualifier http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2621269,00.html
I stand corrected.....it was the friendly he was omitted from. Hope Billy takes his opportunity then.
So if Lee is away, I would name this team: Davis Butterfield Fonte Hooiveld Fox Chaplow Schneiderlin Cork Puncheon Lambert/Guly Sharp Subs: Martin, Hammond, Connolly, Guly/De Ridder, Richardson
Davis Butterfield Fonte Hoovield Fox Guly Morgan Cork Puncheon Lambert Lee Subs: Martin, Hammond, Richardson, Sharp, Chaplow Would be my team. But seeing as Lee is away on international duty during the week I guess Sharp will start although I'd prefer Guly and Lambert upfront with Chaplow right
Billy Sharp will be playing with all his friends and family in the stands as it's local for them. He'll have a blinder and net two.
Don't think Puncheon will bear a grudge against Warnock. He was painted into a corner and QPR rescued him, but then he couldn't get into the team. Hope all Saints players give 100% all the time and don't need another reason to try.
Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Foxy Puncheon Cork Scheniderlin Lallana Lambert Sharp Subs: Martin, Hammond, Chaplow, Guly (De Ridder if Guly's still out) & Connolly
