Match Day Thread Southampton v Sheffield United Sunday 13/12/2020 12.00pm K.O (Sky Sports main event)

No time for complacency.
Stay late for extra practice sessions before Wednesday, and all will be good.

 

Positively positive for this one.

 

The ball over the top could do with a bit of back spin, when they are sitting as deep as Sheffield were, but it is great that we now have that as a genuine option.**
The other pass, Vesty was pinging, was into the space behind the wingbacks which helps stretch the back 3, creating space in the middle.
It also helps nullify the attacking intent, as the wingbacks don’t know whether to push forward or stay back

** Reference the ball over the top even if it doesn’t come off, I have seen mention of the defender needing to deal with a bouncing ball as being one of the triggers for the press, in the hope that he can be dispossessed whilst trying to get the ball under control.

 

Exactly this. I see what NZ is saying and tend to agree, but he's a great option for experience and depth, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

 

Is it lots of movement without a real threat, or is it lots of movement with no one spotting it and hitting the pass?
Most probably both, I would think, but after Redmond having scored on Sunday, he will have a battle to start on Wednesday.
Two things where I think he is better than Long is
1 his control/first touch.
2. his ability to receive the ball with a defender at his back and turn and go past that player.

 

Including yesterdays game - we currently have a run of 5 games in 16 days - a game every 3.2 days. It is clear that there will be rotation in this period and for the likes of Walcott, Redmond, Djenepo, Diallo and maybe others, this will be their chance to show why they deserve to be a regular starter.

 

Looking forward to seeing the likes of Vokins, Smallbone, Tella and N’lundulu getting more minutes too. This could be the breakthrough season for at least one of them.

 

I agree that he'd need to take a pay cut in order to join us. But I wouldn't be raising that as an issue, because unless he wants to take early retirement, I don't think Theo will have much choice. I don't see anyone offering to match his Everton wages (which are, by all accounts, akin his Arsenal wages which built up over a long period of time).

 

I like the look of N'Lundulu from what I've seen. Hopefully he can finish to compliment his energy.

 

It’s quite something when you’re worried about dropping out of the champions league places though! Worries? what worries!

 

Yeah, I'm very happy to take these worries and run with them!

 

I’ve been really impressed with how quickly he has got up to speed with our game. If I’m totally honest I don’t know what to expect from him, I know he’s quick and regarded as a fairly average finisher but I admit I haven’t watched much of him other than casual watches when he was at Arsenal. He’s certainly not out of place in the current side.

 

I'm half expecting Ralph too keep things fairly the same. Mainly focusing on the same core of 14 or 15 players. This Christmas period is essentially a smaller version of the post lockdown end to last season and - aside from the Brighton home game - Ralph didn't make too many changes during that spell. And that was when we essentially had nothing to play for, and hence Ralph had the luxury to rotate if he wanted.

 

If everyone stays fit I would agree, but there will almost inevitably be knocks and niggles creeping in over this intense period.

 

Yep. Although I'm sure Ralph will have been pleased with the cup draw. Although I'm still convinced he'll put out a strong team but will give key players a rest.

 

One thing that Theo is very adept at doing is drawing fouls in dangerous areas around the box and that is very useful when you have JWP in the team.

 

Highlights from the OS, with Blackmore and Tessem:

https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/...on-vs-sheffield-united-premier-league-2020-21

Spoiler alert: Saints win 3-0!

 

Suspensions may be something consider for Romeu.

 

Agree ! He reminded me of an early Sadie Mane the way he chased everything.

 

Sadio!!!