Article: Southampton v West Ham United match thread | Southampton FC, Football

Osvaldo to get send off. Hot head vs a physical team

 

Harry is a fair weather speaker .

 

Yes, and it becomes a far worse job monitoring it too. Still, it's nothing like as bad here as it used to be when I had to moderate TSW after a loss. Back then I had to go around confiscating knuckle-dusters, cutting nooses and blunting cut-throats.

 

Just in case nobody noticed:

Gary Lineker - Looking forward to watching Southampton play West Ham. The academy of yesteryear visits the academy of today.

OK, I'll let him get away with that. Especially as I don't tweet.

 

spot on by Lineker. West Ham are pretty similar to the mid nineties Saints side. Full of journeymen or players we had that noone else wanted only difference is they don't have the most gifted player England ever produced in their ranks. lol

Still being realistic and pessimistic. Bit worried about this one 8-0 home win

 

Great first team as predicted by thevman

Liking the bench, not sure why Yoshida isn't on it but it would be handy to bring on Jos if we are needing a goal from not open play. Also cork isn't on it which is a bit concerning

SaintsFC team to face @whufc_official: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Lallana (c), Rodriguez, Osvaldo, Lambert

bench K. Davis (GK), S. Davis, Ramírez, Ward-Prowse, Guly, Chambers, Hooiveld

 

#SaintsFC team to face @whufc_official: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Lallana (c), Rodriguez, Osvaldo, Lambert.

 

#SaintsFC substitutes versus @whufc_official: K. Davis (GK), S. Davis, Ramírez, Ward-Prowse, Guly, Chambers, Hooiveld

 

That's an exciting team, as long as they get the chance to be exciting.

 

If the weather kills the game, will it be because we have "no plan B"? If we only score from eight corners, will we still be ****? If Poch doesn't speak English after the game, are all foreigners evil?

So many questions.

 

Yes, to all of the above.

 

Is Maya injured?

 

Not really sure how the front four will play, I don't think lallana or Rodriguez are best wide but they will probably have to play from a wide position with lambert deeper than osvaldo. It will need to be fluid but I'm not sure Lambert or Osvaldo are best in a fluid front 4 I think they should be working areas that will give them shooting opportunities almost all of the time, especially when lallana and rodiguez are such poor finishers.

That said with good service they will be more than a handful and I am pleased that Pochettino has gone for an attacking lineup.

I think morgan and wanyama will be covering the fullbacks which could weaken our midfield strength as they would be more damaging if they were mostly central

 

The front four will all inter change....will be a nightmare to mark from a defenders point of view!

 

Have you ever wondered why you aren't a football manager?

 

I very optimistic about the match, I think this is our best lineup and we are likely to win this game.

 

I genuinely don't know. FWIW I'm not doubting pochettino, as there has to be compromise and I think he has chosen the right compromise. I feel without natural wide players the integrity of the midfield pivot has to be broken to allow for attacking fullbacks. Its necessary but will require more experience of playing it.

 

Where the **** is Jack Cork? I hope he's injured because he doesn't deserve to be dropped out of the team altogether.

 

Southern Daily Echo back in the press box for the first time in three years.

 

Jack Cork's absence is definitely enigmatic. I am not one for unnecessary loyalty - but he is clearly good enough to play for Saints. He should be there. Unless he is injured. Or unhappy about his new role. Or some other justification I missed.