Match Day Thread Southampton vs Man City, 1730, Sat 8th

I guess it depends if the academy players are actually that good. We obviously aren’t afraid to play youth, so I hesitate to speculate they are better than our first team or the youngsters we’ve signed. We don’t even play in the top youth league anymore so it is a huge leap to be playing first team football for them.

 

Its only the b-team who don't play at the highest level. Presumably because the last few years hasn't had much talent coming through.

If you look further down, the u18s won their league last season and narrowly lost to Man City in the national final. And this season, we've got through to the FA Youth Cup semi finals for the first time since 2005.

There's plenty of talent there, mostly aged 16/17 so probably not quite first team ready yet.

 

Quite. The senior players need to see this season out and recognise how we the fans feel about things, match by match, +/- results.

 

I remember Theo and Gareth in the Championship…

 

I asked Google's AI:


What line up of players should Southampton put out against Manchester City on Saturday?

Here is a possible line-up for Southampton against Manchester City on Saturday:

• Alex McCarthy (GK)
• Kyle Walker-Peters (RB)
• Jan Bednarek (CB)
• Mohammed Salisu (CB)
• Romain Perraud (LB)
• James Ward-Prowse (CM)
• Oriol Romeu (CM)
• Stuart Armstrong (CM)
• Che Adams (ST)
• Armando Broja (ST)

This line-up would give Southampton a good balance of attack and defense. Walker-Peters and Perraud are both solid defenders who can also provide width going forward. Bednarek and Salisu are a strong partnership at the back, while Ward-Prowse and Romeu are a reliable midfield duo. Armstrong is a creative player who can link up with the strikers, while Adams and Broja are both dangerous goalscorers.

However, it is important to note that this is just one possible line-up. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl may choose to make changes depending on the fitness of his players and the opposition.

And the formation?

Southampton should play a 4-4-2 formation against Manchester City on Saturday. This formation will allow them to be compact in defense and have a good balance in attack. The two strikers will need to work hard to press City's defenders and win the ball back, while the two midfielders will need to be disciplined in their positioning and protect the back four. The two wing-backs will need to be attacking threats and provide width for the team.


If that's the best AI can come up with we may be doomed.

Vin

 

Not only SFC but all of humanity gone in a deep state conspiracy implosion.

 

Inevitable imo. Not with a bang, but a whimper

 

The funny thing is the AI knowing our best team without former players just isn’t good enough

 

The AI overlord proves its intelligence yet again.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to play against 10 men

 

Doesn't have the data to make a decision. That's not what my AI says

 

Sutton says 0 - 3, his Oppo's say 0 - 3 and 0 - 4! Lawro says 0 - 3 too. As does Merson.

 

0-3, 0-3 and 0-4. Making 0-10. Seems about right

 

I’m pleased Harland’s playing, he messes with their tactics a bit. His absence v Liverpool gave them more clarity in their attacking play

Saints AI says Franny should man mark him and get in an early big tackle as a warning and we’ll sneak a 1-0 victory with a Matty free kick

COYS

(and I’d like to see him play live anyway, while I’ve got the opportunity)

 

I’m looking forward to see how Big Ron Davies gets on against Stones and Aké.

 

I've always rated CB Fry. Bring him on with 30 minutes to go...

 

Do we get prime Mané, Rickie and VVD for this one too then? Hell, we might just have a chance.

 

Ely would still start

 

Oh bum

 

Praying for you boys to pull a rabbit out the hat on Saturday evening I'm on my knees lads. PLEASE. I need a repeat of that Carabao Cup result. I need that. WE need that.

 

I'm sure you'd accept a draw as well!