With two wins in the europa league I hope people don't mind me continuing the match threads. Saints return to Premier League action after a convincing and professional perfomance against Vitesse in the Europa League. The game is on Sunday at 1.30pm but not being televised. Bertrand, Gaston and Koeman are doubts for the game but Clasie and Long should return to the side. Likely line-up: Stekelenburg Soares fonte yoshida targett Clasie wanyama Tadic davis mane Pelle No idea what to expect from Newcastle but hopefully we can get something in a tough away game. 1-1 draw.
Newcastle v Southampton Referee: Craig Pawson Assistants: D Bryan and S Ledger 4th Official: Andre Marriner
Erwin is going to be in charge on Sunday. Ronald is having surgery in the Netherlands tomorrow and will have to stay in hospital for around a week.
Providing Clasie is fit, my team would be: Stekelenburg, Soares, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett, Wanyama, Clasie, Davis, Juanmi, Mane, Pelle.
If Clasie isn't ready for this, I hope Reed gets a game. He's the only midfielder we have that understands that if Wanyama pushes up, someone needs to drop back and fill the space. Far too much space appearing in front of the CBs for my liking.
Let's hope we learned some lessons in respect to physical and mental preparations from the Espanyol friendly and the short prep time. Providing Long has recovered from his illness then I'd like to see him replace Tadic who was disappointing at Vitesse Stek, Cedric, Yoshi, Jose, Targett, Wanyama, Reed, Davis, Mane, Long, Pelle Don't think we need to be rushing Jordy back and it feels a bit too soon for a hamstring strain.
That is a nasty, nasty injury, I've played footer with a few guys that snapped / ruptered their achilies and it did'nt look a lot of fun?
Really looking forward to this now. OK, we've had 2 EL games, but the first PL game of the season is always a great day. #stoked
Watching Caulker last night I did wonder (briefly) whether he would fit better in our line up as a defensive midfielder with Wanyama - which was where he started his footballing life as a youngster. He's a strange one - got one or two good tackles in last night but at other times gets caught ball watching. Really needs to improve to dislodge the amazingly improved Yoshida (my MOTM last night). That thought aside I go along with saintly hero'so team selection. No idea how Newcastle will perform this year with new coach and players but I do know the fans will be on their backs if we get an early goal. Some things never change!!
