In an ideal world yes, we could have done with another game first before the Skates but we can't change that. It would be a big mistake to not include new signings just because it's a derby. Fellows and Azaz have been in English football for a while, they will know how big this rivalry is. And I think Scienza will thrive in a derby personally given what I've read about his personality.
Yeah I wouldn't be starting too many. Only Fellows of those who signed too late for Watford and Azaz to keep his place.
I think all the players will know what this means as soon as they step out of the tunnel. “Are you sure there’s only 32000 people in here?”
Let’s hope we can actually maintain the atmosphere if it is a slow start. Need some of that chantagra for our elderly fans.
I just had a thought. Imagine we had a couple of our ex players still here and how 'interesting' their temperament would be in this game: Charlie Alcaraz Lyanco ....Dani Osvaldo......
Given that we have a new manager and lots of recent signings, who do we think can install the importance of this match to the squad? (Current player or otherwise) Or is just us as supporters that really care?
Based mainly on what’s been said about his lack of defensive work, positional discipline and lack of effort off the ball. In games we’ll dominate that might be fine. But I don’t think this is the game to be starting someone like that. Off the bench in the second half if needed then sure. As I said, that might be unfair because I’d rather judge on what players do for us. But in this instance I can’t do that.
Ultimate lunatic xi for the derby? Boruc Benali Ruddock Lyanco Ulrich van Gobbel David Prutton Dennis Wise Jimmy Case Alcaraz Osvaldo Gonna stick Paine up top…
It won't take many minutes on the pitch even during warmup for even the most thick skinned player to pick up the intensity in the stadium. There will have been plenty of pre matchday build up, loads of videos of previous games. How they react to it is another thing.
Most important match of the season. I know it's early on, I know it doesn't define our final league place, I know that it's 3 points that can be made up elsewhere if the worst was to happen. I. Don't. Care. This means everything. This is our proper derby, no contrived Sky Sports bullshit about south coast clashes between us and Bournemouth/Brighton. This is the real deal. If you want to sit quietly with a thermos, respectfully put your ticket on the exchange. I want venom, I want pure ****ing hatred. I want this to be the match that our players look back on and think "**** me, I was part of that." I want them barely able to walk off the pitch having quite literally given it their all. I want thunderous tackles, I want the skates crying into their little police bubble all the way along the M27. For the most important time this season. COYR.
For me , it’s really not that big a deal . I want us to win . I honestly don’t think we will ( no cheeky negative Jasper stuff here ) , it’s what I honestly think will be the result at the end of the day . Maybe it’s because I didn’t move to Southampton until I was 8 , I don’t know .
