Southampton v Newcastle United- Official Build Up / Matchday Thread

We'll be out, but I'll leave the key under the mat and stock up on beers for you. Help yourself to food and take your pick on which bedroom you fancy. I've Just sorted the swimming pool if you fancy a dip and you can try out the new jacuzzi. If you fancy a movie, I've set up the cinema room for you.

Oh, whatever you do, don't go looking in the kitchen cupboard next to the oven. It's not like that's where we keep all our savings and holiday fund money or owt, it's just that there are some sharp knives and I wouldn't want you hurting yourself. So best not to look in there under any circumstances.

 

I think an away draw vs Southampton would be a good result for us at the moment.

 

No, I wont look in there, I wouldn't want to hurt myself unnecessarily.

 

Southampton looking really good today.

 

Had a great 45mins. Then the wheels came off. Vulnerable at the back but Lambert, Lallana, Rodriguez are more than useful as a trio. We will need to be at our frustrating best defensively. I could see Shaw giving Mapou a torrid time.

 

Any reg posters going to the game?

 

Yeah I'll be there AB.

 

Northam Stand?

 

One of the nearest grounds for you isn't it Obi?

 

Yep, block EE or row EE I believe. Need to check my ticket.

 

Row DD.

 

Won't be too far from you then! Let's hope the lads put on a show for us

 

Always hope that, unfortunately it doesn't always happen.

Fulham comes to mind.

 

I'd like to see us go 4-4-1-1 for this and, yet again, give Ben Arfa the chance at number 10. I'd keep Cisse in ahead of De Jong as Luuk didn't really add anything better than Cisse against Palace; Cisse dropped deep, collected the ball and brought others into the game, which is really what LDJ's game is supposed to be. The rest pick themselves. I'd get rid of Dummett as well. Not that fast, a bit sloppy, prone to the long ball (I am convinced John Carver specifically asked him to stop doing it at some point on Saturday). I'm not Santon's biggest fan, but he has more talent, is more comfortable on the ball. Either that or go with Haidara.

Krul, Debuchy/MYM, Willo, Colo, Haidara/Santon, Sissoko, Tiote, Anita, Gouffran, Ben Arfa, Cisse/Remy.

I'd be working on training with Sissoko/Gouff/HBA really trying to get an understanding of each other. All three players can switch positions, this would make it very difficult for the opposition. Hell, it's not the same level/quality, but it's no different to what Chelsea do with Hazard/Oscar/Willian. It's our best formation and if Benny can't quite do it, I'd ask Remy to (in the latter stages of the season). Remy has the ability to drop deeper and run with the ball, he can play off a CF. If, as expected, it doesn't work for HBA then it's these two positions up top we need to address - we need a number 9 with strength and pace (Lukaku) and a number 10 who drops back and works (Siem De Jong). But back to the game, I think we'll pick up a result.

 

Looks like it will be too soon for Debuchy, Remy and possibly Santon, so (assuming no injuries/suspensions after the Everton game - and given that Pards seems to favour Dummett - I guess that line up would be: Krul, MYM, Willo, Colo, Dummett, Sissoko, Tiote, Anita, Gouffran, Ben Arfa, Cisse.

However, whether they do start with HBA, or give LDJ another go instead...?

 

I think LDJ needs to be eased back a bit. He's only 23, so maybe the benefit of the doubt applies, but I am not sure he's got what it takes - looks a little Shola-ish.

By crikey do we need at least two strikers.

 

Dummet's done quite well, HBA and LDJ seem to be firing blanks though. Both been poor.

 

I thought Cisse did well against Crystal Palace even when the ball wasn't going in

 

Great finish.

 

Thought his shot from Sissoko's cross and the one after being played in were nicely taken: first touch, low, hard, on target.