Hello all and welcome back to a very special match thread by Saintsfcfan. I'm going to be totally honest here, there was a significant rush of pride from just typing up the title. If you had told anyone in 2010 that at any point in the future, the winners of that year's JPT would take on the then winners of the Champions League in European competition, you'd have been laughed at. During the summer draw however, there was only ever one team that Saints fans wanted. This Thursday, Saints will take on Inter Milan at the San Siro and have a definite chance of winning. What a thought that is. Look how far we have come in the past 6/7 years. It's a quite a change from playing away Hartlepool on a cold winter night. As that drab 0-0 was played out, no one could ever imagined what Saints are about to take on on Thursday. Despite whatever happened in the summer, whatever was said, I feel great pride at that fact a player who played on that night in northern England, Jose Fonte, will most likely be leading us out under the floodlights of the San Siro. I'm sure many fans have dreamed of possible scenarios and goals since the draw was made, my own person own being of disbelief as Saints winning 1-0 in the dying seconds as Shane Long runs through unchallenged. I know for many of us this week will go slowly. Now onto the night itself. Saints go into the game in the back of 7 games unbeaten, have conceded 1 in all that time (albeit it was a dodgy pen). Leading man Charlie Austin has scored 7 goals in that time as well, despite saints inability to convert many of their chances. In the Europa League they have beaten Sparta Prague 3-0 in an easy night at St Mary's, whilst claiming a good away point to Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Inter Milan have been decent in the league but seem to be a completely different animal in a competition they clearly want out of. They have been convincly beaten by both the sides Saints have already faced. In terms of belief and form, they are their for the taking. My likely line-up: Forster Martina Fonte VVD McQueen Davis Hojbjerg Romeu Tadic Austin Redmond Bench: McCarthy, Yoshida, JWP, Clasie, Boufal, Rodriguez, Long. Prediction: Its going to be a memorable night. 2-1 Saints. If any player reads this remember to wear that shirt with pride. For saints fans, this is arguably the biggest match in our history so get out there and give your all! COYR!!!
I'm fascinated by whether Puel will rotate for this game, as he has done in the previous two EL games. If so, then Yoshida, JWP, Hojbjerg and Long can all expect to start. (The FB injuries probably make any further rotation unlikely, together with Jay and Boufal's lack of game time). But after the journey he has been on with us, can we really leave Fonte out for this particular match? And alongside him, who goes to the San Siro without Virgil? Etc, etc. My gut is that Hojbjerg and Long will come in, but that's it.
Brought goosebumps to me reading this. I know I have probably over egged it, but we are off to Milan for a competitive game...that we can win. The pride I feel is immense and I cannot wait. Saintsfcfan you have hit the nail on the head with the first two paragraphs and it is amazing to think how far we have come. That aside, this game is winnable, and I think we are beginning to look like a good side. I, can't, wait. 2-1 to us, Charlie 82nd min with a winner. I'll get no sleep and not need the booked hotel. COYR!!!
Cracking thread and who can honestly believe this night is upon us? A famous victory is definitely possible. Boufal to score the winner from the bench? I imagine Hojgberg will definitely come in but curious to see how many other changes Claude makes. Fonte has to start for me, no doubt. Can't wait for 7000+ of us to belt out "we came from leaaaggguuuueeeee onnnee!!!"
Romeu probably the first name on the team sheet. Closely followed by VVD and Forster. Austin came off early today suggesting he was being held fit for Thursday. That aside, I agree on the rotation with Hojbjerg, Yosh and JWP starting. Not sure about Long because of his injury which may need a bit more rest. JRod and Boufal both to feature from the bench. 1-0 win will suit me fine!
Taking the sentimentality away from the match, I would rather have Yoshi play Thursday than up at city. If Claude feels Jose can't play all three
There's no way Yoshi won't start one of the two. The question is which one, and who drops out. Can see Fonte missing one of them, and sentimentality shouldn't come into it!
I was hoping and praying to draw Inter, as soon as I saw we were both in the EL. The footballing gods have answered my prayers... I can't believe I'm going to see my beloved Saints at the San Siro. This is going to be an incredible experience. It's weird, but I'm honestly not fussed about winning! Whatever the score, I'm going to be watching the lads in one of world footballs most iconic stadiums. Unbelievable.
That would be a tough call I know but Puel will want Jose for next Sunday I'm sure. It was a bit harsh him missing the Sparta game too
I'd start Jose, with whats happened with the full backs. But then, I consider this far more important than the City game.
I've been a Saints fan since I was 6 so now more than 50 years, and apart from 76 I can't remember being as proud and excited as I am for this game. Particularly as I think we have a real chance to go to Inter and win!! I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. And what's more I don't think it matters which team Claude picks we have such depth. Thursday can't come soon enough COYS
God, 7 years and a bit ago we were down and very nearly out. The only previous time I've travelled to see Saints play abroad was Cardiff in 2003!
Dreamland for Sam McQueen....one moment on loan at Southend, then the possibility of playing at the San siro.......stuff dreams are made of.
http://forzainterforums.com/showthread.php?13696-Inter-Southampton-(20-Oct-16-) Who would have thought that the fans of Inter Milan would be ever be gloomy about the prospect of playing Southampton.
