http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-billy-jones-goran-6494611? According to this WBA have defence problems and Mulumbu and Anichebe are only just back in training.
Don't worry, West Brom will be knackered after their game against Cardiff, which is taking place at the same time as the game against us, according to the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/25641872)
It's going to be a really tough game for us. West Brom are one of the few teams to have a better pass completion rate than us and will play us at our own pressing game. So I expect a really frustrating game with lots of possession but few shots on target. Try not to be too disappointed with a draw. It will still still mark the start of a much better run and a decent performance will keep the momentum going confidence wise. That said - a 1-0 win would be fantastic!!
Echo reporting Boruc back in the squad. Poch says he may or may not play. Davis has done the pre match player interview on You tube but if Boruc is ready they must surely start with him, don't you think?
It's quite clear to me. Of similar importance, 1] we had a run of games where the opposition were a slight step up in overall quality, 2] this began to run into a series of games that were closely interspersed, 3] we began to pick up injuries to extremely key players [Boruc, for example] and the close time interval between games weren't helping their recovery, and 4] we found out that our backup players were OK provided they were not have to play in so many numbers that they effectively had to become the main part of the team. 5] The unburstable confidence and, hence the willing work-rate, took a slight dip. Goals were conceded and the special surprise quality started to erode. Having beaten Burnley eventually, still with a bit of a makeshift team, we're upto present day. Love him or loathe him, when Victor Wanyama became injured, the rock was removed from the team, and I say that as a firm Jack Cork fan, the guy who VW replaced in the team, even though they are different players. Personally, I think a fully fit VW could play with Jack quite well, if given the chance. Perhaps we'll see. I'd like to see us playing with our known best 18, all fully fit and raring to go. Then any doubts will disappear. I think we'll have enough against WBA tomorrow though.
I thought it interesting that the FA announced the Anelka celebration case is 'ongoing'. A small part of me wonders if they weren't playing us tomorrow if they would have delay with it already. Maybe they are going to ban him for a game but didn't want it to be against us!! #conspiracytheorey
Tomorrow's matchday programme sounds interesting. Taken from OS... "Almost 12 months on from his appointment as First Team Manager, the Argentine welcomed the magazine behind the scenes at Staplewood to observe a typical day at Southampton’s base in the New Forest. In our feature interview, the Saints manager discusses the highs and lows of the past year, his life away from the pitch, his bond with his backroom staff and his vision for the future at St Mary’s. Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/pochettino-one-year-on-1286871.aspx#l8Oc6dX7Tb4rulx0.99"
Anyone see Holloway's comment when asked about Mel and other La Liga managers coming to the Prem? "I'm not one of these foreign fellers who gets a job because he's known Jose Mourinho for 10 minutes. Or met him on a train."
Interesting games on this weekend. Good time to win a game for us as the 4 teams behind us and Newcastle are playing 'better' sides, so could turn out to be a good day for us. Have to win first though.
I'm totally stoked. Was a bit frustrated with football after the Chelsea game, but 10 days later and I'm super excited again.
