I think it is best to move on quickly from the West Brom game. The first thing I wanted to do after the game was discuss the next one, ie Swansea on Saturday. There are obviously a lot of rumours regarding Adkins and what fans want to happen and I think the best thing any of us can do is get behind the team and look on towards Saturday! Like the Burnley home game last year, I feel that we will win this weekend, it's a chance to wipe the slate to a poor start, and get back to our home and roar on the team to a victory! Anyway...: Match Info: SAINTS v Swansea 15:00 (3PM) Kick Off St Mary's Stadium My Predictions: Team: This is the one I would LIKE to see start against Swansea. Gazzaniga Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Shaw Davis, Ramirez, Schneiderlin Puncheon, Lambert, Lallana (However, I think Yoshida will start ahead of Hooiveld, again...). Subs: Davis, Fox, Yoshida, Ward-Prowse, Guly, Mayuka, Rodriguez (Another thought for me is that Shaw playing the final 13 minutes last night is Nigel's way of saying 'This is what you need to expect on Saturday against Swansea'. As in he will be starting! ). Score: SAINTS 3-1 Swansea We are going to win on Saturday. And we are going to do it in style. I can feel it! I felt it for the Villa game and I am feeling the same for this match. I think we will go 3-0 up by the 50th minute, with goals from Puncheon, Lambert and Ramirez. Swansea will fight back but I think we will hold out a nervy second half. More to follow... JUST ROAR ON THE TEAM AND GET BEHIND NIGEL, BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T THINK MANY OF US WANT HIM TO GO! COYR!
Who said good defenders don't need to tackle? Xabi Alonso? Yoshida made a great last ditch slide tackle, from behind no less, against Spurs though.
Gazza Clyne Jose Yoshi Shaw Morgan Mayuka Ramirez Lallana Reeves Lambert Need to start playing wide men to stretch the other side, Shaw and Reeves have an understanding, Clyne did well attacking yesterday but was often outnumbered so I would play him with Mayuka. Ramirez and Lallana can add goal threat and the creative side but also get back to help defend, they will also keep hold of the ball rather than give it away like Davis. Lambert not far infront of Ramirez and Lallana so he is not isolated
Now that is a good question...... Tell you what though........What are the odds of Saints keeping a clean sheet on Saturday? After all we are due one.....
Got to be a 433//4231 of one form or another. Swansea are a good passing side who would cut througi a 2 man midfield like a hot knife through butter.
I tend to agree in theory, but am tempted to say lets go all out for a win. I would like to know whether Cork will be ready as he would definitely be in my starting eleven. Depending on his inclusion I would suggest, Gazza Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw Mayuka, Cork, Ramirez, Schneiderlin, Lallana Lambert If Jack is still out I would Play Puncheon(Lalla moving into the middle) on the left with strict instruction to get to the bye line and get some crosses in as well as helping Shaw out. If we are then struggling take Punch off and bring in JWP in in Cork's position.
Wouldn't go that far, but we definately need the extra man to compete. Doesn't have to be defensive, Ramirez in the gap would do.
I think I'd go for: --------------Gazza------------- Clyne----Fonte----Yoshida----Fox -------Davis---------Morgan----- Puncehon-----Ramirez-----Lallana --------------Lambert----------- Bench: Davis, Hooiveld, Shaw, Cork, Mayuka, J-Rod, Lee I wanted to include JWP in the starting lineup but couldn't find a place for him and then Cork should really be our CM on the bench. Clyne and Puncheon work well together and that is why I have chosen Puncheon ahead of Mayuka. Lambert is our biggest goal threat so although he hasn't had his best games of late, he needs to start.
I see what you are doing here, you suspect that Guly, Fox and Punch may soon be out of the limelight, so we have to pick on one of those other jolly foreign blokes to be the subject of criticism, yes?
Southampton v Swansea City (3pm) Referee: P Dowd Assistants: A Halliday, M Wilkes Fourth Official: S Hooper
