yep. I'm predicting a cheeky 2-0 win to Saints (although I have to admit I always predict a win. lol)
I've been really impressed with Southampton since they appointed Pinocciho and they've been my tip for a Europey spot since the start of the season.
I know this much, the likes of Ozil, Ramsey and Cazorla will be a stiffer test than any our defence has faced this season. I'd be delighted (well, happy, anyway) with a point.
Always liked the Saints, hope they do well and at least finish in a European place this season ahead of the likes of Pool and the spuds. If they are still up there by the end of the year, maybe a top 4 finish is not impossible?
Thanks - when we were in our perennial relegation dog-fight days, I always used to root for you guys as you play the most attractive football of the traditional "top teams". If you try and pass it around at the back against us, however, I think we can get somting from the game. Our pressing game means we'll win possetion in the final third quite a lot. And that means we'll certainly create chances; I think it'll be 1-0 either way or posibly 1-1; it'll be a close game, regardless. For the first time in my life I'm not afraid of going to your place any way & that speaks volumes in itself.
The way Southampton have come on in the last two or three years has been phenomenal. They've always had a great academy and produced really good English talent, as we know all about at Arsenal with Walcott and Oxo. But as good as that's been they've never really been able to assemble a team for themselves that's been able to challenge. But now under P and with some really astute signings to compliment the likes of Luke Shaw, Lallana and others, they've really started to show the premier league that they are contenders for the European spots.
I did think they'd made a mistake when they sacked Adkins for Pochettino, but as usual, Cortese was right.
Imagine if RVP had stayed - I'm sure he'd much rather play in front of the likes of Ozil, Wilshere and Ramsey than Carrick, Fellaini and Kagawa! On recent form we should get something from the game but I'm pretty confident of an Arsenal win, sadly.
Good to see some nice respectful things being written about Saints. Im expecting (as stated above) a close fought match with one goal either way taking it. Would be pleased with a point and only disappointed with a loss if we disgrace ourselves. Here's to (possibly) the most exciting PL season in recent history.
As for respect, remember after last seasons game, how Walcott-OXO walked over to the away end to the Southampton fans applauding them, now that's class.....
I know Southampton press the ball well, but we've just played Dortmund twice. Probably the best team in the world right now when it comes to pressing. As long as the players treat Southampton with respect, and don't get complacent, I don't think we should have too many problems.
Rosicky is a doubt with illness and Podolski not back yet. Think we may see: -------------Sczc----------- Sagna---Mert----Kosc----Gibbs -------Arteta----Ramsey----- Gnabry-------Ozil-------Cazorla -------------Giroud--------- Subs: Flappy, Vermaelen, Monreal, Wilshere, Hayden, Walcott, Bendtner Which is a little annoying as i was hoping for a proper strength bench by now! With Rosicky, Podolski and Flamini back in the mix we will have such a strong match-day squad. But for now the youth and Bendtner are still hanging around the edge of the squad.
With Liverpool playing Everton and City playing Tottenham, this weekend could be a very good opportunity to reassert our position at the top of the table.
I'm backing Cardiff for a win today. I think they will be well up for it today and with the crowd behind them it will be a really tough day for Utd
