Southampton v Norwich Sunday 30.08.15 at SMS (13.30). Referee: Jonathan Moss Results so far in EPL: Norwich opened with a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke, followed up by a 3-1 away win at Sunderland and a 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace. Saints opened with a 2-2 away draw at Newcastle, followed by a 3-0 drubbing at home to Everton and a 0-0 away draw to Watford. Suffice to say neither team has set the world alight, so Saints will be looking for a first win of the campaign and Norwich must fancy their chances of a result at a club in some disarray after exiting the Europa League. For Saints: Forster, Bertrand and Clasie remain out, with the latter two expected to return after the international break. Wanyama and Mane may be available for selection for this game. Will add more as I get it, but thought we needed to draw a line and start again. Perhaps I will bring more luck.
I was traumatized by the thought that someone had done a beautiful match thread and I would just jump over them, but as time went by................
Possible team: Stekelenburg Cedric - Fonte - Caulker - Targett Wanyama - Romeu Mane - Davis - Tadic Pelle
------Stekelenelenenberg------ cedric---font----caulk-----Yoshi ---wany/reed----romeu------- tadic-----mane-------j rod---- -----------pelle------------------- bench: Targett, jwp, Davis, juanmi, long, Davis, reed/wany
A day before the match, and only six responses on the match thread. Says it all, really I would like to try play a 4-4-2 formation. Something like this Cedric - Fonte - Yoshida - Targett Davis - Wanyama - Reed - Tadić Pelle - Mane
I'd go for something like: Stekelenburg Cedric -Fonte -Yoshida-Targett Wanyama-Romeu Tadic-Davis-Mane Pelle Subs: Gazzaniga, Caulker, Long, Rodriguez, Juanmi, Ward-Prowse, Martina.
This was one of my comments at half time in the Midgetland game - we have been creating chances; they haven't been going in. The part that's under your control is number of scoring opportunities. It was pure, unadulterated, glorious hindsight to say "we never looked like scoring". Any of Jose, Davis or Rodriguez could have had us 1-0 up in that game in the first fifteen minutes or so (if I recall correctly). Fonte's header beat the keeper and was headed off the line; Davis, the keeper pulled off an excellent stop; Rodriguez's header took a real scramble of a save. For a game where we were apparently utterly hopeless and "never going to score" we had (again, if I recall) about 15 shots against Watford. Getting into position to aim at the target is the skilful bit - there's luck involved in whether it goes in or not. I really don't see the problem as being in attack - the law of averages will lead to some of our attempts going in. I see our chief problem as defence. And that will get better through teamwork and team coaching, the return of Ryan and, if Ron's assessment is correct, the return(?) of Jordy. Vin
It isn't just our players who need to have their spirits lifted by this match. Ron's body language lately has been that of a very unhappy man who is pissed of with things. I do not know what you will be doing but I shall be cheering and backing the lads from the start. The very lovely Mrs Godders doesn't come to matches anymore since Morgan left which is quite nice really because I now bring a flask of coffee laced with scotch and a round of cold bacon sandwiches. Mind you I have to make them myself. So if at Sunday's match you see a little old whiskery man sat all by himself shouting at the top of his voice while slowly getting pissed on 50% proof coffee and gorging on bacon sarnies that will be me. I shouldn't get too close though as the very lovely Mrs Godders forgot to reorder my incontinence pads and I am wearing the very last one now. Fresh supplies are not expected until mid morning on Monday.
I feel about this game like a gambler who's taken an absolute shellacking. The head says have a break, but the heart says get back in action, get back in front, and get rid of this horrible feeling. Either way, this is a very winnable game. For both sides.
Yeah, I know what you mean St.G. I've seen that hunched shoulders, head bowed look. Anyone would think he's having to walk around on crutches with a bad injury.
