Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is holding a news conference ahead of his team's home match with Hull City on Saturday. On Jay Rodriguez's England call-up: "Jay fully deserves his England call-up. He's been on a really good run lately. We're really proud of our three players [Rodriguez, Adam Lallana, and Rickie Lambert] in the England squad. Can they go to the World Cup? Why not?. Not only those three, but the squad has improved in the nine months that we've been here." On the praise Pochettino and his players have received after their bright start: "We have to be intelligent in managing the plaudits we're getting. We have to take the compliments and use them to boost confidence. Compliments can be taken negatively or positively. We're in the headlines and we appreciate that, but it changes nothing."
I've been impressed with Hull this season, their doing really well and Steve Bruce is always honest in interviews. Hope saints win of course but should be a good hard - fought contest.
Yes, they have impressed me as well, they look a side that likes to confident and like to splay the ball around. Got my tickets, can't wait.
Haven't watched much of Hull this season, but Huddlestone seems a key figure for them. I think he won't be given much time on the ball and it will be difficult for Hull to keep possesion.
Betfair odds implied percentage chances as of 3:30 on Friday: 62% Saints win 13% Hull win 25% Draw Most likely scores: 1-0 15% 2-0 14% 1-1 12% 0-0 10% Vin
The only negative comment that MP received in Spain was his unwillingness to change the formation no matter what. Up until 5 games ago he was still using his preferred 4231 formation. I do not know if its the emergance of JWP or the injury to Osvaldo, but our formation now is defenately 433. For me this is our strongest formation with JWP adding attack options whilst covering the runs of Clyne, Lovren covers Shaw knowing he has Victor and Morgan ahead of him. Instead of one player being isolated up front, the 3 forward players can push up with width provided by the full backs. There was a large space between midfield and the forward players which has now been closed as the defence pushes up so high. Will be interesting if we play the same way once Osvaldo comes back
Saints have announced that they will be supporting The Poppy Appeal tomorrow. please log in to view this image The shirts will be signed and auctioned off after the Hull game to raise money for The Poppy Appeal/Royal British Legion. please log in to view this image
I like how Rickie manages to keep his smile looking genuine through loads and loads of photos. Adam just looks annoyed.
Do you know what time? I'm leaving at about 11 and I can't be arsed getting to Southampton and back if it's called off.
