I think also think we could take something from this game, and 2-2 sounds about right seeing that we do provide a goal threat, even more now with Ramirez pulling some strings. I'd like to say we could sneek it 1-0, but although Maya seemed to solidify the defence somewhat, it was only one game.
Very odd seeing a variety of formations. 4231 suits the players best and is what worked last time so stick with it..
Quite possibly. Everton are a big side that get lots of crosses in the box and it might even suit us to have a bit more height at the back. Won't be popular, but a square peg in a round hole would be a better solution than playing a fit LB who isn't up to it or doing something silly like cobbling together a 343/352 in 3 days.
Yoshida would be the best to play left back I reckon-he's got a good work ethic and isn't slow either.
Clyne will be playing left back I would think with Frazer on the right. Why change it when it was so successful against Villa.
Indeed. a good idea. I would have Hooiveld on the bench to swap with either Fonte or Yoshida if extra dominance through height is required. Clyne is quick enough to cover for Hooiveld's lack of movement, in my opinion, assuming he adopts his old position. Richardson is no slouch either, and makes for an extra CB when the going requires it.
Richardson's got a decent left foot for crossing and has more experience to play out of position. Clyne is quicker and will catch Baines out of position.
agree...and it isn't rocket science to play what worked in the last game . would much rather clyne taking on neville than baines. plus richardson can cross from deep to avoid baines
We don't have to win against Everton away to stay up. Which is just as well! What we do have to do is score goals and win at home. I can see us doing both quite a lot this season.
I don't know. It wouldn't surprise me if we get something from this fixture. Everton don't necessarily have better players, they just have experience at this level, which Saints are short of [what happened to those 35 odd accumulated years?]. Of course, we could allow Everton far too much freedom while we try to pass our way through them, but Adkins might decide to be tighter and surprise the Toffees [note the newspaper style wordage ] with our ability to press while we don't have the ball. I don't think Everton can pass the ball like it's the key to life and they may try to go speculative occasionally. That's where we disarm them. I'll be chuffed if we draw, but not surprised. Of course, I won't be astonished if we lose.
We have to believe we can win every game if we want to stay up. And we will do better than just stay up if we believe this
[h=2]Not great encouragement but they are due a defeat! MATCH FACTS[/h]Head-to-head Everton are unbeaten in their last seven home league games against Southampton but the Saints did leave with a point on each of their last two visits. The Toffees' equal best Premier League win was their 7-1 triumph over Southampton in November 1996 - the late Gary Speed scored a hat-trick that day. Everton also inflicted Southampton's heaviest top-flight defeat with an 8-0 win in November 1971. Southampton have only won five of 38 previous league trips to Everton, and only once during the Premier League era - a 2-0 triumph in November 1997. Everton If the Toffees win they will equal their best-ever Premier League points total after six matches (13 points in 2004-05). David Moyes's men have picked up 45 points from 26 league matches in 2012 - only Manchester City (56) and Manchester United (53) have accrued more. Everton are yet to concede a first-half goal in the Premier League this season. The Toffees have hit the woodwork six times this season - more than any other club in the division. Southampton Nigel Adkins's men have conceded a league-high 15 league goals, including nine from two away league games. Only Manchester United, Fulham (both 12), Manchester City and Swansea (both 10) have scored more than Southampton (nine). Saints are looking to win back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time since beating Tottenham and Middlesbrough in March 2005.
Thing is, Villa didn't offer much of a threat. In both full back positions, we're still vulnerable. Clyne is clearly up to the job at this level, but he may be the only prem class full back we have - I'm certainly not sure about Richardson.
One thing we mustn't forget is that, even before our recent signings got bedded in, we scored two goals each against ManCity and ManU. We are not going to win many 1 nils, but if we keep scoring we will get some results.
Just seen on Sky that Saints have had 30 shots on target this season. Carries on from last season, but we need to up our conversion rate.
The Racing Post's tip for this game is to back both teams to score. Sound advice, imo, which will probably apply to most of our premiership ties this season. Hold onto your hats, it's going to be a rollercoaster.
