Stoke City v Southampton match thread

Wot? No Rambo?

 

So Gaston will be wrapped up in cotton wool on the bench to keep him away from those big mean Stoke players?

I'm not sure I can bear to watch another game of Yoshida playing full-back though, I hope Nigel has been working his wonders and getting him ready. Unless Fonte or Hooiveld are playing right-back, of course.

 

Cue all the Ramirez lovers to demand Nigel out.

NA clearly going for a physical team and I can understand why.

Just don't understand Yoshida at RB?

 

I understand the reasoning of Yoshida at RB, still worries me though.

Good opportunity for Rodriguez, Guly and Hooiveld to step up.

 

I though adkins said the only way to win was to play good football why drop Ramirez then? Having said that I agree this probably isn't his type of match just funny that adkins said that. Glad to see Jay Rod given a chance, could be a big day for him if he impresses!

 

Que?

Seriously though, any opportunity to get a little shot in, eh?

 

The only thing I can think of is Ramirez picked up a knock?

Still doesn't explain Yoshida at RB and no sign of Frazer in the side

 

We don't actually know for certain that Yoshida will be starting at RB, but yes it would appear that way. But it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that Clyne has been dropped. Just look at Bale's goal against us. Clyne's feet were stuck in mud, and Bale just powered through him to head home.

As for Gaston, well this is a million miles away from being his sort of game. I'd rather Stoke didn't kick the hell of him - not only would that make him pretty darn ineffective, but it risks him getting injured. Save him for Arsenal, absolutely fine by me.

 

Subs: Boruc, S. Davis, Ramírez, Fox, Richardson, Mayuka, De Ridder.

 

@officialsaints: Saints substitutes: Boruc (GK), S. Davis, Ramírez, Fox, Richardson, Mayuka, De Ridder. #saintsfc

 

Lack of Clyne on bench makes me think Maya at RB isn't necessarily by choice.

 

Also odd that Richardson whose built like a tank isn't playing think he can feel quite hard done by I've always liked him thought he was terrific last year!

 

Relax people. Nigel has clearly got a plan. Clyne isn't on the bench so he must have a knock. Attacking line up really with Guly, Punch, JRod and Rickie in there.

 

Richardson for Clyne on the bench so I presume the latter might actually have a knock.

 

Agree, although he has missed a large chunk of the season.

 

#scfc Starting XI vs Southampton: Begovic; Shotton, Huth (c), Upson, Wilkinson; Kightly, Whelan, Nzonzi, Etherington; Walters, Jones
#scfc Substitutes: Sorensen, Palacios, Owen, Adam, Whitehead, Crouch, Jerome.

 

Are we assuming this is 4-4-2, with Guly LM?

 

Stoke bench looks pretty strong


It will be interesting to see how Saints line up - JRod on the left with Guly behind Lambert?
Or Guly left with 4-4-2?

 

yeh thats true Nige may not think he has the match fitness which is fair enough. He must be wondering when hes going to get a chance though seeing as centre backs are playing there in front of him!

 

@officialsaints: Saints are without @Nathaniel_Clyne today after the defender picked up a knock on Boxing Day. #saintsfc