I've been rightly sacked from doing the match thread but what are peoples first thoughts re team selection? Boruc is out and doubts over Morgan and possibly Lovren. Personally I thought we looked better up front when Rickie came on so I'd change things and go with Gazza Clyne Fonte Lovren(if out Maya) Shaw Cork Victor Jrod Davis Adam Rickie Subs Cropper Chambers Jos JWP Reed Gallagher Dani Thoughts?
Hooiveld will be ahead of Maya as we have seen many times already. I would also suggest that Benteke would make it even more likely. Otherwise I am pretty much on the same page as your selection. I think Dani is going to have to make his claim from the bench from now on because whilst Lambert may not be having the best of times in front of goal, he does offer much more in terms of creativity and link up play than Dani
I went with Maya as his partnership with Jose was flourishing before Dejan arrived. Can see your point about Jos winning a physical battle though.
What it does show is our lack of striking options off the bench. With Guly out any other injury and we are calling on the youngsters.
If Schneiderlin is fit I'd be tempted to rest Wanyama. One booking away from a suspension and I think we'll need him more against Man City than Villa.
Thought he looked off the pace a bit yesterday. Maybe it was just the quality of the opposition but even his corners were not to his usual high standard.
JWP not quite up to his usual standards. Think this had to do with the team finding it hard to play their usual game, which resulted in James feeling a greater sense of responsibility when taking corners and free kicks. Everyone was finding the game tough and he is still young. We must all remember that JWP hasn't peaked yet.
Yes agree Fran. I wasn't criticising just him at all. A brilliant prospect. He's played a lot of games lately though and maybe just needs a rest. Thought Davis looked sound when he came on.
Fair enough Lamb. I didn't see the game yesterday hence my question. I have it on Sky+ but by the sounds of things only want to watch the first half?
TBh I think the scoreline flattered Chelsea. They weren't at the races until they got their equaliser.
I suspect that the Chelsea pitch may have been wider than most, as JWPs corners were coming up short of where they normally land!
I think it depends on which foot he stands on, thus Maya would replace Fonte, Hoover would replace Lovren or is that me being stupid as usual?
Southampton welcome Aston Villa to St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday in need of home comforts after losing two successive away games. Defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea marked Southampton's first consecutive losses since May, but they will take confidence from an unbeaten record on their own turf. Southampton host an Aston Villa side whose strength has generally been on the road this term, having lost just once away from Villa Park all season and racking up nine of their 16 Premier League points as visitors. Of bigger concern to Villa is the form of Christian Benteke. Last season's talisman has not found the net since September's defeat at home to Newcastle. It will be a worry for manager Paul Lambert when coming up against the joint-best defence in the Premier League, though Southampton have concerns in their backline. Artur Boruc is expected to miss out after sustaining a wrist injury against Chelsea, with veteran Kelvin Davis and 21-year-old Paulo Gazzaniga on standby. Other than that, Mauricio Pochettino has no new injury concerns. Key defender Dejan Lovren returned for the Chelsea game after missing the trip to Arsenal and came through unscathed. Southampton lie seventh after their latest defeat but victory over Villa could seal a return to the top four.
I keep hearing that we have one of the fittest teams in the bpl. Do you all think that the double training sessions will start to take there toll on the players at some point in the season? On topic,3 points against villa please Shift+R improves the quality of this image. Shift+A improves the quality of all images on this page.
Doesn't stop you picking up injuries and why we need a strong squad. We are probably two or three players short.
