Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Fox PUNCHEON Hammond Cork Lallana Lambert Sharp Butterfield Martin Chaplow De Ridder Guly I think we'll win, but I also think it will be very tight. I'm going to say that we'll end Tuesday three points ahead of West Ham, but with equal GD.
Peterbrough have nothing to play for, like Crystal Palace. They will give 100%, but not 110% like a relegation/playoff fighter would. Davis Richardson Hooiveld Fonte Fox Chaplow Hammond Cork Lallana Lambert Sharp Subs: Bart, Butterfield, Steeeve, Punch, Guly I know we've been favouring a no sub goalie approach. But this is a game we should be winning without the need for massive tactical changes. And theres no point risking the win from losing davis with no sub, with 3 games to go 3 points is everything. No unnecessary risks.
I think for the first time ever in my life, I will not be listening, watching, on live scores or on BBC sport getting updates for this game. The Saints are consuming my every thought at the moment. The major highs set by this season mean every loss gets me crashing back down to earth with a bump- thinking we will turn back into the Saints I grew up with. I will just wake up Wednesday morning, go and buy a paper, drive to work, sit at my desk and then read the sports section with my heart pounding. Hopelessly praying for a win. Working in Bristol I hope I can share the adulation of promotion and safety from relegation with my fellow City fans! Please Saints...7 points.
As a Reading fan I still think there are a few twists and turns to go yet. None of us, Southampton, West Ham or Reading, have any guarantees at the moment. There are so many combinations which could change everything. If we all win our last three games then its you and us to go up. If you and West Ham win your next three games and we don't then its you two to go up etc, etc, etc. All I will say is that, currently, Reading and Saints are in the best two positions. Its ours to lose.
I got to say, when thinking about Im glad West Ham did what they did today. The players cannot rely on the goal difference now, they have to get on with what they have set out this season and get promoted on our terms. We need to win our next three games, simple as. I dont quite understand why people have written off winning the league still despite last night. We win our next two games and the pressure is on Reading to go to Birmingham last game of the season and win (and that's sayings its a given they will win there next two games). Chin up lads, winning the title is still possible and we have the advantage in the automatic places. Lets go to Peterborough Tuesday night and send a message that we deserve to be promoted this season.
Davis Butterfield Fonte Hooiveld Harding De Ridder Cork Hammond Lallana Lambert Sharp Subs: Martin, Fox, Chaplow, Guly, Barnard
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15441312 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15413456 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15504341 AND http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16371777
It's an interesting point actually. Back when we were selecting Bart on the bench, I was possibly the most vocal person on here with regards wanting Adkins to ditch a sub keeper. But these three remaining games are HUGE, especially after what has happened today. The end of the season is now so close, that it's not an exaggeration to say that one injury or red card for Davis could literally end our automatic hopes. So I'm altering my sub bench, and including Bart instead of Butterfield. Cork or Martin can fill in at RB if something were to happen to Richardson during the game.
Not that I would ever question Lord Nigel but I found it strange that he had three defenders on the bench on Friday. There's not much chance of them all being used, even if he throws Butters/Harding in midfield, if it was me I would have taken Bart instead. But there we go.
