Match Day Thread Chelsea v Southampton Wednesday 2nd January 2019 7:45pm

Saints get the New Year under way with what should be a routine visit to Stamford Bridge to collect 3 points.

Or,

Struggling Saints have a mountain to climb against Sarri’s sparkling Chelsea.

Either way there will be only 1400 Saints fans there, the club didn’t take the full allocation, presumably because Virgin are subsidising this game.

We will be without our best midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg who picked up a red card against Man City. The FA have asked Charlie Austin to explain the V sign he flicked at the City fans, so he might not be available either. Also definitely out is Michael Obafemi, who tweaked a hamstring.

I think we could get a point from this, we have some key players well-rested and ready to resume hostilities.


Officials: (thanks Don)
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistants: Harry Lennard, Amdy Halliday
Fourth official: Simon Hooper

 

Are you sure we only took 1400? Poor if so.

 

According to Adam Leitch in the Podcast.

Edit: Apparently they sold out in 90 minutes as well, even more baffling.

 

Hmm, thought we took the whole lot.

*goes to investigate*

 

That’s ridiculous if we only took half of the allocation. Saints will always sell a full allocation for a London game.

 

Actually it was Steve Grant, the Saintsweb owner who was saying it. It’s at just after 40 minutes into the podcast.

 

It sold out quickly, so I can't see us only taking 1400.

 

As for the match itself we shouldn't be intimidated by Chelsea. They're a very good side, but no Liverpool or City. Hopefully they'll give Hazard a rest but given it's the FA Cup straight afterwards I doubt it. But we can get at them - their defence isn't great.

 

If he wants to keep up the use of youngsters Callum Slattery (if fit) or Thomas O'Connor could offer versatility in the mid-field?

 

Will Smallbone must get a chance soon too.

 

I agree, he has improved a lot in a short time.

 

If not this game, then the Derby game would be a good time to give one of the youngsters a go. Romeu and Lemina can’t play everygame while Hojbjerg sits on the naughty step.

 

I'm not adverse to starting Gunn in this one.

 

I see your logic, a starting gun might help!

 

Will Marcus Barnes be eligible now we've reached January?

 

Only if he's added to the squad.

 

Do we drop Lemina after his last two lazy half-arsed performances or hope he wants to catch sarri's eye and puts in a shift? I'm getting really fed up with players who fluctuate between our best and worst on the pitch. He'd have no chance if Hoj wasn't out, the only option is to replace him with Stephens as far as I can see.

 

Loving the dislike for Lemina on here....

I’m a fan of his. Yes he takes chances, and can cock up. But when we are playing well he is also instrumental to it.

When we had our good spell against Man City, he was part of the reason.

I see a player that is always offering himself as a pass, whilst other players don’t.

Hope he starts and plays.

 

I get the impression that he is playing despite an ongoing issue in his stomach area, some kind of muscle problem, I notice him doubled up and struggling to breathe after one hard challenge recently. I am sure if he was 100% fit, his performances would be a lot better.