On the bench for Saints today are: Bialkowski, Harding, Schneiderlin, Guly and Martin #saintsfc No Richardson and De Ridder, but Bialkowski - is Davis carrying a knock we don't know about?
I doubt it. It's just something which makes complete logical sense - and I and a few others called for him to do it vs Posh as well. We're five points clear with two games left. Why take any risks? Pick Bart, just in case. Even more so, as it's only in place of a THIRD defender.
If Davis was carrying a knock I would expect Bart to start. Perhaps its just insurance to have Bart on the bench at this late stage of the season
It's still a VERY defensive bench regardless whether we've lost a third defender or not - Schneiderlin, Martin, Harding are all defensive, so if we're 1-0 down we only have one option to turn to - very limited
Agree. I'd probably have had De Ridder on there ahead of Harding. But either way, I'm happy to see Bart back. As I say, no need to take any risks at all now.
Not necessarily. Take out Fox or Butterfield, put in Schneiderlin, take out Hammond and put in Guly and set up like this - Butterfield - Fonte - Hooiveld Chaplow - Schneiderlin - Cork - Lallana Guly Lambert - Sharp Which is far more attacking. I understand you could do this with Hammond instead of Schneiderlin but still. With a player as versatile as Guly there are plenty of options - could take off Chaplow for him, could take off one of the forwards for him etc
C'mon lads...let's finish the job tonight, although a draw wouldn't be the worst result, we deserve promotion this season.
Reading have left the door ajar. If we win today we have a real shot at the championship. Unfortunately 'boro have something to play for as well now. Glad to see Bart on the bench. Makes me feel a little more secure. COYR