Match Day Thread Southampton v Arsenal Tuesday 26/1/2021 8.15pm BT Sport 1

It is worth doing, even it they are roasting the full back as it confuses opponents. I think this is one of the huge benefits of the 4-2-2-2... even though teams know we play it, it is still confusing for defenders to know who to pick up if for example, the full back is looking to mark Theo wide but he is actually stood 20m inside. He won’t know whether to go and mark him, thus being out of position, or to pass him on.

I like it a lot.

 

Overloading one side for a short time is also an option. Not sure but this might have happened in the build-up to the goal on Saturday, before the ball was switched to KWP.

 

Two big questions for tomorrow:
How will Bertrand’s replacement cope?
Will Aubameyang play?
If we have positives on both, we’ll be in great position.

 

Just read the Athletic article with Jan and Ralph is a tactical genius.

 

Voskins will do ok especially if he has Stuey in front of him.......and according to Twitter rumour land Aubameyang still has personal “issues” to deal with.

 

Do you think those “issues” involving waiting to see who the new Chelsea manager is before deciding whether to sign for them?

 

No ....good rumour to start though

 

That was the plan - have sent it to my Arsenal supporting mate in South Africa. Should get a rise out of him at least!

 

Ralph has ruled out KWP as well due to injury - so that's both full backs out

 

Penny for Toms thoughts ... based on his reaction to losing Bertrand through suspension

 

Our rate of injuries at the moment is taking the piss. KWP is going to be a massive miss, most games he's one of our best players. Sigh. How long is he out for?

 

So Yan at RB and Voskins at LB then.

 

At least the KWP injury sounds like a short term issue.

 

Finally, some good injury news! Also just an FYI it's Vokins not Voskins.

 

Quad apparently.

 

Another muscle injury in training is concerning.

 

Not really, I mean it is, but not unexpected - No pre-season, a condensed schedule, essentially a season and a third in one (backing on to the end of last), no access to medical/recovery facilities etc

 

I don’t get this fascination in no pre season. Same for everyone wasn’t it? Or am I missing something?

 

Fair point. However, your post assumes that there is a level playing field at the outset, and there isn't. I laughed on Sunday when I watched Martial come on as a sub. We have to threaten the opposition with Shane, bless his cotton socks. I've heard Ole GS make the same points as Ralph, and of course he's right. But if his United squad lose out a bit no-one notices too much. It makes a big difference when your resources are more modest to start with.